Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to speak in the address-in-reply debate. Mr Acting Deputy President Marshall, at first instance, I have to say that it is a great shame, in my own personal opinion, that I have to stand here and address you as Acting Deputy President, because, as you know, I believe you served this Senate exceptionally well in your role as Deputy President. It is a little unfortunate, but when we come to this place, we all know that, at the end of the day, the one thing we all have to overlay into a certain situation is politics, and I understand it was absolutely no reflection on your ability at all. I see Senator Kim Carr standing there smiling. Kim, he is a mate, and he has maybe paid a high price. But certainly I think those on this side of the chamber would absolutely acknowledge that, without a doubt, you did serve this chamber exceptionally well in your role as Deputy President.