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

I rise on behalf of government senators to congratulate Senator Brockman on his election as Deputy President and Chair of Committees, and I again thank the chamber for continuing to respect the longstanding convention of the government of the day nominating the President of the Senate and the opposition of the day nominating the Deputy President, but I note that it was only in relation to the first that there was some disruption in the chamber.

Senator Brockman would be aware, as are all senators, that his predecessor, Senator McLachlan, set a very high standard in the role of Deputy President, and, as the President did on her re-election this morning, I do want to pay public tribute in this chamber to Senator McLachlan for his service in this role and the manner in which he acquitted responsibilities. I have been in this chamber a long time and I know those parliamentarians for whom the institution really matters, and Senator McLachlan is one of those parliamentarians. He was a fair and even-handed chair who respected our parliamentary traditions and conventions and collaborated with the President, and, in his leadership of committee chairs, he was determined to reinforce the duty that we all have to exercise our rights and privileges in a civil and responsible way. Can I express to him my thanks—our thanks—for his intervention prior to the 2023-24 budget estimates, which emphasised the role of chairs in maintaining order and reiterated that committee members should treat witnesses with courtesy and respect and that questions be put and answered in an orderly manner.

I know that Senator Brockman appreciates the responsibilities of this role, given he is a former president and brings that experience to this role, and I am confident he will work impartially and diligently to advance the interests of the Senate. The government congratulates you, Senator Brockman, and we wish you all the best in your role.