Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I inform the Senate that Senator Conroy and I were re-elected this morning to our respective positions by the Labor caucus.

Government Senators:

Government senators interjecting—

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am a bit concerned that the Liberal Party is so happy about that!

Rod Kemp (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We wouldn’t call it a dream team!

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That is true; luckily, in the Senate, looks do not count, as the government can attest! On a more serious note, I want to express, on behalf of the Labor Party, our condolences to Kim Beazley on the sad loss of his brother in the midst of everything else today, and pass on to Susie, his parents and his sister our best wishes at a very difficult time.

Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—If I can briefly respond, I congratulate Senator Evans and Senator Conroy on their respective re-elections as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. I also express on behalf of the government our sincere condolences to Mr Beazley on the very sad loss of his brother, David. We extend our commiserations to Mr Beazley and his family.

Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I would also like to congratulate the two Labor leaders in the Senate and indeed the new Labor leader, Mr Rudd, and his deputy, Julia Gillard; I wish them well in their respective offices. I would like to also join the Leader of the Government in the Senate and the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate in sending very sincere condolences to Mr Beazley and his family.

Lyn Allison (Victoria, Australian Democrats) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I join with others in congratulating Senator Evans and Senator Conroy on their re-election to their positions in the Senate. I pass on my condolences to Mr Beazley but also congratulate Mr Rudd and Ms Gillard on their election to the leadership and deputy leadership.

Steve Fielding (Victoria, Family First Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Condolences to Kim Beazley at this time, with his brother’s death. I congratulate the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Evans, and also Senator Conroy, as deputy, on being re-elected.

Ron Boswell (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Can I also offer my condolences to the former Leader of the Opposition. It has been a terrible day for him and I feel very sad for him. Also, I congratulate the leader and deputy leader of the Labor Party.