Andrew Murray (WA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Paul Calvert had been in the Senate for nine years when I became a member of the Senate on 1 July 1996. He was then the Liberal deputy whip. Thirty senators are left standing of the seventy-six that were there on 1 July 1996. This is a place of fast turnover, so lasting 20 years is quite a feat. Paul leaves the Senate as the immediate past President, the 21st holding that office and the third President of the Senate from Tasmania. Senator Calvert is only the third President to resign the office to leave at a time of his choosing.

In the order of preference at occasions of state, President Calvert held position No. 3, after the Governor-General and the Prime Minister. Thankfully, there was no sign that it ever went to his head. For a while I thought the President had exalted constitutional status, stepping in if the first two got run over by a bus, but that is not true. But the President’s constitutional status does come into play in ensuring that the Senate meets as required. By far the most significant provision in the Constitution relating to the office of President is section 23, which is the keystone of the federal compact and the mechanism which guarantees the equal representation of the original states in the Senate. The President’s vote is the same as the vote of any other senator. Because it is a deliberative vote and not a casting vote—as is the Speaker’s vote when the House of Representatives is equally divided—it has no greater or lesser value than any other senator’s vote. In this place the President is truly first among equals under the Constitution.

Any President should be assessed at the professional and personal level. They are equally important. Tasmanian politicians are peculiar for the intensely combative tribal and personal nature of their politics. As a typically one-eyed south islander, Paul freely admits to hunting in a pack when necessary, generally as Tasmanian Liberals but if necessary with all the other Tasmanian pollies. That trait did not harm his presidency. He was indeed a fair President. He was patient to a fault at the antics of some senators and diligent in the application of his duties. Throughout his presidency the Senate has continued to run efficiently, productively and on a fully serviced basis. No more can be asked of any Presiding Officer. He was also, may I add, served by an able and helpful staff.

Paul carries with him the wisdom of long service, long experience and a varied, practical and successful life. Such a life has taught him tolerance, an essential requirement of a good President. I have heard Senator Calvert criticised in estimates for not standing up enough to an over-mighty executive, but I take the view that trying to be Canute would have got him nowhere. I said earlier that in this job the personal is as important as the professional. A President without the personal characteristics of warmth, good humour, stamina and tolerance—which you have in great measure—would not be able to achieve the consensus and support that Senate progress requires.

In some respects the Senate is like an office block. An essential human need is to bond and to fraternise. The opportunity to relax and socialise in an intimate environment with your peers from all parties is really only provided via the President and his office, and the reasonably regular functions there have contributed materially to the attachments and affections that mark many relationships in the Senate. As President, Paul was a warm, generous and at times irreverent host. Paul was sent on 26 conferences, delegations or visits in his Senate service, 17 of those as part of the job of President. I was lucky enough to go on two of those with him and Jill, and Pam and I had a ball, in large part thanks to them—working hard and playing hard.

As a person, Paul, I am careful with my feelings but I have been drawn to you and Jill, as has Pam, and we count you both good friends. We have had truly great, memorable and very funny times together. My friendship with Paul, and not many would know this, has been helped by a common interest in spiritual matters—preferably with water and a little ice! As a tribute to Jill, I can say that as a couple the whole is indeed greater than the sum of their parts. Senator Lyn Allison, our leader, the Australian Democrat senators, and Pam and I wish you both well in your future life and thank you for your service and good offices.