George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—On behalf of the government, I wish to congratulate Senator Farrell on his election as Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. As would have been very apparent from the reaction of government senators, Senator Farrell, you are a very, very popular senator, at least on my side of the chamber!

I know that former Prime Minister the great John Howard had something of a monopoly on Lazarus references in his career, but your comeback really would have to be the greatest since Lazarus. Government senators look forward to working with you, and we wish you well.

While I am on my feet, I advise that Senator Scullion will be absent from question time today due to official business. In his absence, I will represent the Indigenous affairs portfolio.