Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

I join with the Prime Minister in congratulating Senator Payne on what is a substantial achievement in a long and distinguished career in the Senate and as a minister. Marise Payne was the president of the New South Wales Young Liberals while I was the president of New South Wales Young Labor. We had a program of going around to schools to have debates and encourage young people in terms of civic involvement and engagement. I got to know Marise Payne very well while we were both much younger.

There is something to be said about longevity in parliamentary careers—you do get better, you do learn. Marise Payne is someone who has a good relationship with people on both sides of the chamber. I think she is widely respected. I wish her well and congratulate her on this substantial achievement. As the Prime Minister said, increasingly we will see women break records. That's a good thing. We need to be more representative of the population. That means the parliament should reflect Australian society, which, after all, is fifty-fifty.

Hono urable members: Hear, hear!

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