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

I had to say that—fair enough. Having delivered the second the year after, I can honestly say to former senator Boswell that we trying to do our part to bring the average down.

Despite our differences, those of us who knew Ron will recall fondly the friendly and decent way he treated his political adversaries. Particularly after what has occurred this week and today, I was reflecting before I stood up about the fact that Senator Boswell speaks to a very different time in this chamber, because he was courteous. He and I disagreed on many issues, but he was always courteous to me, and I hope I was generally courteous back. He was a gentleman in a way that I think too few people in this place are today, and I appreciated that.

He said in his biography, 'I never considered the Labor Party as the enemy; they were the opposition.' Of course, he was thoroughly committed to the National Party. He believed he could have more influence as the Nats leader in the Senate than by taking up a ministry, although I'm told the opportunity was presented to him many times. He left parliament on his own terms as a National Party statesman. In his valedictory speech, Ron Boswell reminded us:

Each of us in this place steps in, and out, on one page of a continuing history; it is for others to write the future. There is still much to achieve; the job is never-ending.

Ever practical, he always knew that even a career as long and storied as his would someday end. We would all do well to remember this.

Australia's democracy is richer for Ron Boswell's service, and I once again extend my condolences on behalf of the government to his family—those here today and those watching from afar—and to all those who called Ron a friend.