Sue Lines (President) | Hansard source

Senator Birmingham. I first saw you as a member when I was a member of the Rudd government. It was my first estimates, and my colleagues warned me and said: 'Watch him. He's clever and quick and has a huge intellect.' Since then, most of my interactions with you have been in my role as President. I've found you to be a person of great integrity, trustworthy and honourable. Your contributions have often been sharp and witty. Sadly, in this role I've never really been able to laugh at them, but I have found them witty!

For me, I've seen you at your best—your absolute best, in my view—during condolence speeches, whether it be for the passing of a senator, a national disaster or something on a global scale. I've discovered in those moments that your compassion is deep, that it's heartfelt and it's obviously—and still is—very real.

May I wish you well and all the best in whatever you do next with your family and your daughters and in your new career. Thank you, Senator Birmingham.