Brett Mason (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education) Share this | Hansard source

The latter never or rarely happened, John. Kay achieved what few will achieve—service in this place for over 20 years, a position in federal cabinet and, of course, leaving under her own steam. That is something that most of us will never achieve. I honour her for that.

Senator Rod Kemp is a very rare bird in this place. He combines a heavyweight intellect with great joviality. He is more like a Greek god than a senator. He is very, very different. He has made some of the funniest speeches I have ever heard and his answers, or non-answers, to questions without notice, especially as Assistant Treasurer responsible for the GST, are legendary. His record I suspect will never ever be beaten.

The Senate is a wonderful institution. There is partisanship yet cooperation, there is a battle of competing ideas yet always understanding, and fierce loyalties yet in the end civility. That is what makes this chamber the greatest democratic chamber in this nation—we have our arguments and our debates, yet there is greater civility in this chamber than in any other democratic chamber in this nation. I want to pay great tribute to all the retiring senators. I will miss them all and I want to congratulate them so much for what they have done for the Senate and for their country.