Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to honour the service to this chamber and Australia of my friend and former colleague in this place David Fawcett. David was the 95th senator from South Australia. I always considered David to be the epitome of everything a senator should be: courteous, collegiate, diligent, considered and very knowledgeable in his area of interest or passion. It's hard to imagine he was ever on the green carpet, but he was, as the member for Wakefield, until he saw sense and came here.

David had an encyclopaedic knowledge of defence matters. His interest in defence came from his days as an Army pilot and later a test pilot. As an aside, I'll always be grateful to him. When we flew around South Australia in small planes, I used to usher him into the cockpit as a safety measure. I wish him and Lorna well for the next chapter of their lives. David is a keen yachtsman, and I know they have plans to travel. Thank you, David, for all your hard work for the Liberal Party and the Liberal cause. I thank you personally for your friendship and wise counsel.