Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I suspect Senator Milne probably wanted to give a farewell speech and then leave and go and have some time with friends. But this is an institution which enjoys its courtesies, notwithstanding your desire for a less formal farewell. I just want to make a few remarks. Obviously—particularly when I was climate change minister—Senator Milne and I have had our differences, but I have never doubted the sincerity of her beliefs. Senator Milne, I never doubted the sincerity of your beliefs nor the passion with which you felt them, and I respect that.

At times we have been combatants. I hope in more recent times, particularly leader to leader, that we did come to a place where we could speak to each other openly. I certainly trusted you to be open with you. That, in this place, is also something that needs to be respected. You have been a fighter for your causes. I know, knowing you, that that was reflected again in your contribution tonight. Your activism and your struggle for the causes in which you believe will certainly not diminish with your departure from this place.

I also note there are not many women who get the opportunity to lead a political party. I salute you for being a woman who has led your party in this place. In that respect, women everywhere, I think, should look to women such as yourself, or any woman who holds high political office regardless of their political party, as a role model and a trailblazer. I know that, because you have spoken about it publicly, you have a desire for perhaps a sweeter time with family. On behalf of opposition senators, we acknowledge your service. We thank you for your contribution to public life, even if we have disagreed at times. We wish you very well in this next phase of your life.