Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Community Services) Share this | Hansard source

five—according to the most recent instructions delivered to your son today that number will change very shortly, I am assured.

Like many who come to this place, Senator Calvert was a representative of an industry through his presidency of the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania. The fact that he is such a great people person is reflected in that background: he is not only a hard worker but rose through the ranks of industry to become the President of the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania. When you have been in that position, it is often because of the great frustrations we feel with every level of government that we are continually fighting that we say, ‘If you can’t beat them, join them.’ I am sure that had a fair bit to do with Senator Calvert then being elected into local government.

He served very capably, I am told, as a councillor in the municipality of Clarence for 12 years, four of which he was a warden. I am quite sure that the skills that the good senator learnt during that particular time enabled him to find a balance. I often say under my breath, ‘Throw them out!’ It is so important in this place that the very few senators who become President find the very careful balance that ensures that we do not overstep the mark. The frustrations that I sometimes feel on this side were never reflected and, Senator Calvert, I am very glad you did not do any of the sorts of things I felt you should do. It shows that you were completely impartial and independent. It is important that you were able to find that balance so that the relationships between the sides in this place continue to be affable.

You were first elected in 1987 and you have continued to be re-elected in the years until 2001—20 years in this place. You have made an absolutely incredible contribution. You have been a member of both Senate and joint committees and had plenty of prestigious titles during your time in parliament, including Deputy Opposition Whip in the Senate, Deputy Government Whip in the Senate, Government Whip in the Senate and most recently President of the Senate.

Having only served a relatively short time in parliament myself, I note that over that time you have found a great balance between your unwavering devotion to the Senate and to your own community and you have continued to lobby for the people of Tasmania on the issues that affect them, while at the same time under the continuous pressure in your role as leader obviously still maintaining a very happy family life. This reflects again on those wonderful balances that you have managed to find. You are leaving this place at a time of your own choosing, and I think your instructions to your son indicate that your family values are extremely important. Although you will be sorely missed as a colleague and a friend to those in this place, it is pleasing to know that you are leaving the stresses behind you and will be concentrating on the great values in your life with your wife and family. Senator Calvert, you have made a great addition to this government, and we can all learn from your contribution and your time in the Senate.