Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) | Hansard source

I won't be very long. In my dealings with you, Senator Birmingham, as leader of our respective parties, I wanted to thank you for your decency. I'm pretty sure that you won't miss us and possibly this place, but the chamber will be the poorer for losing your calm expertise and your shrewd operation. I've always appreciated your honesty, your sense of humour and your work ethic. You've always been professional and courteous to me. I respect how you've conducted yourself in this place, and I think that's a strong compliment for anyone to leave this place with.

Particularly, I want to flag the sincerity with which you approached the beginning of the work on Set the standard in this place and our dealings at that early stage. You were always very clear and very detailed, and you clearly wanted to help fix things. I respect you for that, and I think that's been really valuable work.

Parliament needs more decent people, and I think your party will be the poorer for losing your leadership. I wish you and your lovely family all the very best in the future.