David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to Senator Paul Calvert, who has resigned as President of the Senate. Senator Calvert was President of the Senate for the last five years and a diligent and committed senator for Tasmania for the last 20 years. As President of the Senate and a senator for Tasmania, Senator Calvert has upheld the dignity of the parliament at all times and is respected for the way in which he has presided over the Senate chamber and represented this parliament both here in Australia and overseas. On behalf of all members, I wish Paul, his wife, Jill, and their family all the very best.

Also on behalf of the House I would like to extend my congratulations to Senator Alan Ferguson on becoming President of the Senate. Senator Ferguson comes to this role with much to offer, and I know that he too will uphold the highest traditions of a Presiding Officer.