Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I remind senators that the Senate should now choose one of its members to be Deputy President and Chair of Committees.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That Senator Brockman be appointed Deputy President and Chair of Committees.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Are there any other nominations for Deputy President and Chair of Committees? There being no further nominations, Senator Brockman is elected Deputy President and Chair of Committees in accordance with the standing orders, and I congratulate Senator Brockman on his election.

Slade Brockman (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

President, I seek leave to make a very brief statement.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, I believe leave is granted.

Slade Brockman (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to acknowledge Senator Lines's successful election as President and acknowledge Senator McLachlan's work in the previous parliament in this role.

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

I rise on behalf of government senators to congratulate Senator Brockman on his election as Deputy President and Chair of Committees, and I again thank the chamber for continuing to respect the longstanding convention of the government of the day nominating the President of the Senate and the opposition of the day nominating the Deputy President, but I note that it was only in relation to the first that there was some disruption in the chamber.

Senator Brockman would be aware, as are all senators, that his predecessor, Senator McLachlan, set a very high standard in the role of Deputy President, and, as the President did on her re-election this morning, I do want to pay public tribute in this chamber to Senator McLachlan for his service in this role and the manner in which he acquitted responsibilities. I have been in this chamber a long time and I know those parliamentarians for whom the institution really matters, and Senator McLachlan is one of those parliamentarians. He was a fair and even-handed chair who respected our parliamentary traditions and conventions and collaborated with the President, and, in his leadership of committee chairs, he was determined to reinforce the duty that we all have to exercise our rights and privileges in a civil and responsible way. Can I express to him my thanks—our thanks—for his intervention prior to the 2023-24 budget estimates, which emphasised the role of chairs in maintaining order and reiterated that committee members should treat witnesses with courtesy and respect and that questions be put and answered in an orderly manner.

I know that Senator Brockman appreciates the responsibilities of this role, given he is a former president and brings that experience to this role, and I am confident he will work impartially and diligently to advance the interests of the Senate. The government congratulates you, Senator Brockman, and we wish you all the best in your role.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise on behalf of the opposition to congratulate Senator Brockman on his election today as Deputy President of the Australian Senate for the 48th Parliament. As is the convention, as has been noted by the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Wong, the government nominates the person to be the President, and the opposition nominates a candidate for the significant role of Deputy President within our parliamentary system.

Senator Brockman's election today is a testament not only to his standing amongst his colleagues but also to the depth of parliamentary experience and wisdom he brings to the role. We are confident that Senator Brockman will fulfil the role with the same skill, dignity and impartiality that have marked his previous service in this chamber. As senators are aware, Senator Brockman has already served this chamber with great distinction as President of the Senate. In that role, he upheld the highest standards of this institution with integrity, fairness and a deep respect for the traditions and procedures that are essential to the Senate's proper functioning. The responsibilities of the Deputy President are significant. The Deputy President plays a vital role in assisting the President in maintaining order, ensuring the fair application of standing orders and overseeing the work of the Senate as the Chair of Committees.

This work requires patience, a deep understanding of parliamentary practice and an unwavering commitment to fairness and impartiality. Senator Brockman, through his past service, has already demonstrated his deep understanding of these responsibilities, his even-handedness, his careful attention to the detail of procedure and his calm and considerate approach to the often unpredictable nature of this place.

On behalf of the opposition, I also acknowledge the service of Senator McLachlan as Deputy President during the 47th Parliament. I extend again to Senator Brockman our congratulations and our support as he takes up this important office.

Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise briefly on behalf of the Australian Greens to congratulate Senator Brockman, a former president now returning as the Deputy President. I'm sure that you will do a great job. Senator McLachlan, you will be really missed in your former role, and I'd like to commend your impeccable chamber management, diligence and fair-handedness. We are sad to see you go.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, senators. Once again, Senator Brockman, I extend my congratulations to you. I look forward to us working together as the President and the Deputy President and Chair of Committees. Thank you.