Sue Lines (President) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, senators, for the honour and privilege that you have bestowed upon me today. Thank you, Senator Allman-Payne, for participating in this ballot here today. It's always good to see the democratic processes in place. I'd like to thank the outgoing deputy president, Senator Andrew McLachlan, for his work as deputy and, in particular, for his work as Chair of Committees. I applaud his collegiate and insightful contributions to the difficult decisions that we as presiding officers made in the 47th Parliament. The reforms that the Deputy President led to ensure that our temporary chairs are well supported will continue, and I thank him for that work.

As I said in my nomination speech, it is an extraordinary privilege to preside over the Australian Senate. This chamber is grounded in tradition, where the voices from every state and territory are brought together to represent and review the laws which shape our nation. I'm incredibly proud to have presided over the full adoption of the Jenkins review and the passage of all relevant legislation. I have been, and will continue to be, a steady and firm hand, striving for better standards of behaviour in this chamber while working predominately behind the scenes to ensure we foster a place of fierce but respectful debate.

In my first term I was able to represent Australia on the international stage to strengthen our relationships with other parliaments. I'm particularly proud to hold an executive position in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and to have led a bipartisan delegation to China and Mongolia—the first visit in over seven years by a parliamentary delegation.

Since taking the role, I have worked hard to ensure the people's house is welcoming and accessible. That includes the establishment of an elders pass and our elders room, the establishment of our artist-in-residence program and the commemoration of significant events through our illumination program on the facade of this amazing building.

I am thankful to have worked with impressive people in the departments that I oversee, including the Clerk, the Usher of the Black Rod and everyone at the Department of the Senate, the Department of Parliamentary Services, the Parliamentary Budget Office and the Parliamentary Education Office. As we look ahead to the 48th Parliament, I know that this chamber will continue to be a forum for rigorous debate but also for cooperation and respect through our absolutely stellar committee system. I look forward to working with all of you, and I thank all senators for the honour today of electing me as President.