Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Hansard source

as Rod is. Danni has made an enormous contribution, and I think she has enabled Rod to do the job he has done, particularly in the arts community. I never cease to be amazed by the response of people from the arts and sports communities when the name Rod Kemp is mentioned. To get into areas with the sports and arts communities where we have had some historical differences and to come out the other end with both of them being so supportive of the minister and the coalition is a great tribute to you, Rod. You were able to do it because you engaged with them. You were prepared to sit down and spend the time with those people and engage with and respond to them. There was no more powerful advocate in the last two decades for either the arts community or the sports community than Senator Rod Kemp. Rod, I thank you most sincerely for that.

I am often summoned by Senator Kemp for coffee or breakfast at a restaurant called The Commune, which is just around the corner from a couple of comrades—it is just around the corner from Treasury Place. The rules are that, when Rod says to you ‘What’s new?’ you are meant to provide him with every bit of political gossip you have. At the end of the meeting, he walks away fully briefed and, if you are lucky, he will have thrown you a bit of a bone of information to go away with. I have enjoyed those meetings, Rod. I know we will continue to have them. You and Kay have been incredible contributors for the Victorian division of the Liberal Party. And I know that you share my great joy at the imminent arrival of senators-elect Helen Kroger and Scott Ryan. I am sure they are going to make a fantastic contribution as well. On behalf of the Victorian division, I thank you and Kay most sincerely for your remarkable contributions.