John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is the last sitting day for the Usher of the Black Rod, Andrea Griffiths, before her retirement. Andrea started in the Department of the Senate on 1 July 1982—more than 26 years ago. Andrea’s first job here was in the Senate Table Office producing the Senate red. In those days, I understand she did the Journals with an old typewriter, and cutting and pasting was done more literally than today. In 1987 Andrea moved to the Black Rod’s Office as Deputy Black Rod and performed that role for nearly 12 years. She helped with the move to the new Parliament House in 1988—a most significant moment in the history of the parliament. In order to broaden her experience Andrea transferred to the committee office in 1999 as secretary to a number of committees, including the Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts References Committee.

In 2001, Andrea was promoted to the position of Usher of the Black Rod—the first woman to be promoted to this position in the federal parliament. Andrea has been involved in arranging every opening of parliament since 1987, so the last one was her eighth opening and third as Black Rod; the swearing-in of five Governors-General, two as Black Rod; the swearing-in of many senators; and she has attended countless divisions and quorums over the years. Andrea announced three presidents of foreign nations at joint meetings in the House of Representatives chamber—United States President Clinton in 1996, and United States President Bush and President Hu of the People’s Republic of China in 2003. Her work in this ceremonial role has been acknowledged by the offices of the Governor-General, the Chief Justice of the High Court, the Prime Minister and the Speaker. The new Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce, also singled out Andrea for looking after her so well at Parliament House on the occasion of her swearing-in.

Andrea has advised seven presidents, including me, and advised committees of this place over many years. Those who know her will know she is not backward in providing frank and fearless advice. She has been a welcoming face at the entrance for new senators when they arrive at Parliament House for the first time, and many senators have commented on how important that friendly welcome has been. Andrea has been on a number of parliamentary delegations as delegation secretary. I was fortunate to be on one with her—not only was she very well organised, but also she was very good company. Andrea embodies the parliamentary service values to the highest standard. She has the qualities of honesty, integrity and enthusiasm. She is a straight shooter when dealing with senators and is respected by all sides of politics.

Andrea could not have had this successful career without the support of her husband, Keith, who played a major role in raising their children, Kate and Thomas, on all those late sitting nights. I am sure all senators will join with me in thanking Andrea for her contribution to the parliament and particularly to the Senate over many years. We wish Andrea and her family all the best for the future.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—The government associates itself with your remarks, Mr President,  but I also want to say that this place does not work without the support, dedication and hard work of people like Andrea. The Black Rod’s office is pivotal in ensuring that this place works both effectively and well. Andrea, on a personal note, as well as on behalf of the government, we were very pleased to see you appointed to the position of the Usher of the Black Rod—the first woman to be promoted to such a position. It was the fact that you are a fantastic person, a person who is confident in your ability and the advice that you have provided, which won you that position above all.

We also want to acknowledge the service that you have provided to this Senate, and the invaluable support. I think the President summed it up well when he said that Andrea has provided a smiling face to all of the new senators who have come to this place—not only a smiling face to new senators but to existing senators who continue to work here as well. I want to finally thank Andrea on a personal note. I know that Andrea has supported me and others in the chamber well with her advice, confidence and the words of wisdom that she has provided to individual senators to get them through each day. With that, I wish you well in the future, Andrea, and we hope to still see you around the place, providing that smiling face on occasions.

Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Mr President, on behalf of the coalition, I express our total support for the warm and appropriate remarks that you have made on this occasion—the solemn but, I hope, happy occasion of Andrea’s retirement from this place after an extraordinary contribution culminating in the role of Usher of the Black Rod and creating history by being the first female to occupy that position. We on our side, as great defenders of the traditions of the parliament and the Senate, think it is fantastic that there is still an Usher of the Black Rod. As Senator Ludwig said, it is a critical role in this place, and it reflects the great Westminster traditions that we have in the Senate. Andrea, you have performed that role professionally and absolutely impeccably.

It is remarkable that you have served as an official for some 26 years. When you think about it, that is a quarter of the existence of the Senate itself—and you still look very young, younger than most of us on this side and a lot younger than me! It really is extraordinary, and it is historic as well. It says something about the Senate itself. It is remarkable the dedication, loyalty and long service that so many officials of this great institution contribute. That is reflected in your long service. It shows the respect and dedication that you and your colleagues, as officials of the Senate, have for this wonderful institution.

I speak on behalf of all coalition senators who have served with you. I have been here for nearly 16 years and you were here 10 years before that, so you have seen a lot on our side come and go. I speak on their behalf to sincerely thank you for all you have done for us and for this great institution. As others have said, the one thing about Andrea is that she seems to be always smiling. It is fantastic. Andrea, you are always very calm, unflustered and professional in the way you go about your work. On behalf of the coalition, I thank you very much and wish you all the very best for your life after such a long time in this place. Well done.

Alan Ferguson (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Mr President, I wish to associate myself with the remarks that have been made about our Black Rod, Andrea Griffiths. For the duration of the time that I was President, Andrea was a wonderful person to work with. You know, Mr President, how daunting the first few days can be as a presiding officer. The sure-handedness with which Andrea went about her job put me at ease and she made sure that I knew exactly what was happening. Andrea is respected equally on all sides of the parliament and is a true professional. Andrea, I just want to place on record my appreciation of all you did for me while I was President of the Senate. I understand your reasons for leaving at such a young age and I wish you and Keith and your family all the best in your retirement.

Barnaby Joyce (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I also want to concur with the remarks that have been made and wish Andrea and Keith and their family all the best. We have had no reason to meet Andrea except on the best of terms. We acknowledge the professionalism that Andrea has put into her job. She has been an absolute delight to work with and has managed to break us in, so to speak. I think we all behave pretty well. On behalf of National Party members now and in the past, I wish you all the best in the future, Andrea, and God bless.

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

by leave—I too want to support the words that have been said and to thank you, Andrea Griffiths. You are living proof that Oberon does produce more than high-quality potatoes and peas. It is a great contribution you have made to the Senate and the parliament of this nation. Your friendliness, combined with your dignity, is very, very memorable. You have been here longer than every senator in this place and you have contributed to the wellbeing of each of us and the Senate as a whole. Thank you, congratulations and may you have a long and happy life with your family in the years ahead.

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

by leave—Mr President, I would like to add to the appreciation of your remarks and the remarks of the others about the Black Rod, Andrea Griffiths. I can certainly attest that Andrea is one amazing person. She helped me tremendously when I started here, I can tell you. I do not think I could have done it without your help, Andrea, and I really appreciate it. When you think about it, quarter of a century’s service to this country is absolutely amazing. And Andrea is not just a smiling face; there is tenacity and a steely resolve there, and you know that you are going to get advice that is very sound. I just want to express my sincere appreciation for your help and support, Andrea. Family First wishes you a tremendous retirement. I am sure you have very fond memories of watching over a lot of young—not young in age but green—senators who did not know much about this place. Certainly as a newcomer who did not know much about the place, I really appreciated your help. Thank you.

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Andrea and I have known each other for about 30 years. We were at university together. I know that I can count Andrea as one of my closest friends. We shared a lot of things together at university and through our lives. We went to each other’s weddings. The biggest privilege of my life was to be welcomed here by you, Andrea, on the day that I became a senator. Thank you for all your support. For me it was a long road into politics, and you were there every step of the way. We knew at university that we would go into politics. I knew where I wanted to go, and Andrea knew that she would go in on the organisational side. The day that you became Deputy Usher of the Black Rod and the day you became Usher of the Black Rod were very, very special days which we celebrated. I know you want to spend more time with Keith and Kate and Thomas and I know that I will certainly see a lot more of you. Andrea, all the very, very best. You deserve everything that everybody says about you. You are a wonderful lady. Thank you.

John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Having finished the most important business of the day, we shall now get down to the mundanity of work! Thank you, Andrea. I am sure you will enjoy your last day, no matter how long it may well be.