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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted.

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

I thank the Senate. Colleagues, this week is the final sitting week for a staff member who is well known to many of you, Mr Anton van Bavel. I think he's well known to most people across the chamber. Anton loves the Sturt Football Club, he loves American political history and he loves Australian election statistics, but most of all he loves the Australian Senate—its procedures, its intricacies, its traditions. Anton respects this institution deeply. Like me, he understands what it brings to our democracy. And, while he might have been my adviser, his first instinct has always been to protect the dignity of the Senate, and partisanship comes second. He is an example to everyone in this place.

Anton's respect and passion for the Senate started early. He tells me that, as a child, he listened to Senate debates on what was then the ABC Parliamentary News Network. Anton has absorbed both the knowledge and the philosophy of the great Senate clerks Harry Evans and Rosemary Laing, and he knows more about both the character and the workings of the Senate than anyone I know—except perhaps Mr Pye. Senators, particularly Labor but also others, have benefited from this knowledge. I personally have benefited greatly from his knowledge and his loyalty over some, in total, 16 years of service.

So this is the end of an era. I want to thank, publicly and in this place that matters so much to him, Anton for the sacrifices it takes to do this work, for his dedication to his craft and for his commitment to serving our nation. Anton, you go with my affection and my best wishes for life beyond this place.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I also seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted.

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the opposition, I'd like to associate the coalition with the remarks from Senator Wong about Anton. I think it is not often—in fact, Senator Wong, it's very rare in this place that, when a key adviser leaves, we are given the opportunity to thank them. In relation to Anton van Bavel: it is appropriate that we recognise the incredible service you have provided not just to the Australian Labor Party but to the Senate over many, many terms. In that regard, it is your partner in crime, Jonathan Sharman, who has provided me with these words today, along with Lilli Balaam, who has contributed—and it's Lilli's last day tomorrow, in fact, so it's the end of an era for both sides of politics. As Jonathan said to me: 'How does one sum up Anton? One might say "politics, religion, arts and sport", but not always in that order, I understand—especially when the Crows are playing or the cricket is on.' One of the things I didn't know about you, Anton, which I found out earlier today, is that you're also a man of deep personal faith; I would like to recognise that.

As Senator Wong said—and I think there are probably only 76 other people in Australia, quite possibly, who would understand the words of Senator Wong and agree with and wholeheartedly endorse them when it comes to the person who advises the Leader of the Government in the Senate and the person who advises the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate—you need to have a love of the Practice, the standing orders and the Senate institution. I know that between Jonathan Sharman and yourself, Anton, Senator Wong and I have always had implicit trust in the decisions that you both make and the advice that you provide us.

We know that you'll miss this place. You are very well known and respected amongst the opposition ranks. This is what Jonno said: 'Some have said he has at times a James Moriarty-Sherlock Holmes type of relationship with Jonathan Sharman as they go tit for tat in deploying Senate tactics.' It is interesting, and I won't take up time because this is Senator Wong's opportunity here. Other than the leadership, I don't think too many people know the hard work that goes on from the beginning of the day right through till night to ensure that we function in this place.

Anton, thank you for everything you've done to ensure the Senate is held to the best possible standards. I know that, when we were in government and you were in opposition, you had decent and honest dealings with the coalition over many, many years. You've been a solid foundation and support not just for Senator Wong but for the Australian Labor Party. Believe me, you will be missed. Good luck with whatever you decide to do in the future. On behalf of the coalition, we hope you have a well-deserved break.

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

by leave—I'd like to associate myself and the Greens with those well-deserved comments, Anton. Thank you for 16 years of working to try to make the world a better place, and we wish you all the very best in whatever comes next.