Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I rise on behalf of the government to congratulate you on your re-election as President of the Senate. It is a bipartisan tradition that the government nominates the President of the Senate, and, whilst this is often a partisan place, I do want to publicly thank again the Senate and, in particular, Senator Cash and her team for continuing to respect this longstanding convention.

I'd like to make some comments about Senator Lines's excellent work representing the interests of the Senate both within this building and beyond. These are the reasons that the government has nominated her for re-election. Senator Lines has demonstrated her signature passion and commitment to make the parliament safe, accessible and welcoming to all Australians, including in the ways that she has described in her speech, by welcoming visitors to open day and illuminations on the Parliament House facade and by the introduction of passes specifically for local elders and traditional custodians of land, to recognise their generosity in welcoming us to country.

I particularly want to commend the President on her leadership and efforts to implement the recommendations of the Set the standard report and her efforts to make this workplace safer and more respectful for all. In this, we all have a responsibility, and in this there is much more work to do.

Finally, as Leader of the Government in the Senate and as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I want to recognise the President's contribution to Australia's standing in the world. This includes hosting Prime Minister Marape of Papua New Guinea—the first ever Pacific islands leader to address this parliament—and leading the first parliamentary delegation to China in over half a decade. Senator Lines has the respect and support of senators across this chamber, and I am confident in her as the principal defender of the role and the authority of this Senate. On behalf of the government, President, I congratulate you and wish you continued success.