David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to pay tribute primarily to my Tasmanian Senate colleague Senator John Watson but also to my other coalition Senate colleagues who will be leaving us in a few days. I first recall hearing of Senator Watson when he was elected as the third Liberal on the ticket at the 1977 election. Although at the time I was only a young 12-year-old, I did have a passing interest in politics, as my father had at that time been a Liberal member of state parliament for some 17 years. Despite this, my focus on the Senate at that time was fairly thin. But when my father became outwardly excited at the election of John Watson to the Senate, I took a greater interest in the matter.

I recall quite clearly the delight in Tasmanian Liberal circles at his election. The Liberals winning the third seat was not expected. John Watson was not supposed to win this seat. It is important to remember that, as at the 1977 half-Senate election, there were only 10 senators elected from each state, and the Liberals ended up winning three out of five of those seats in Tasmania. That certainly had not been expected. My father told me how deserving of a win this ‘John Watson’ was—how he had done so much to help workers at Kelsall and Kemp, a local textile mill, how he was a fine Christian and how he would prove to be a fine representative for Tasmanians in Canberra. From the day he took up his seat on 1 July 1978, he proved my father right.

In preparation for tonight, I took the liberty of reading Senator Watson’s first speech given to this chamber, in the old building, in November 1978. Interestingly, Senator Watson spoke of the economic difficulties facing Australia at the time, the challenges facing Australian manufacturing and the impacts of record high petrol prices and rising unemployment. Thirty years later it all sounds very familiar. I also noted the names of the people that Senator Watson thanked in his first speech—Kevin Newman, Peter Rae and the recently retired President of the Tasmanian upper house, Don Wing. All of these people played significant roles in Tasmanian and Australian politics. All of these people featured prominently in Tasmanian politics, as I watched and learned in my formative political years. And all of these people knew my father and family well.

On 30 June 2008, when Senator Watson’s final term comes to an end, he will have been a senator for exactly 30 years. He will retire as the father of the Senate, being Australia’s longest serving current senator. For this chartered accountant turned businessman turned politician, Senator Watson’s longevity in the Senate has had nothing to do with chance. It is apparent to all who have observed him that the vigour with which he has engaged his constituents and fought for their causes has kept him in Canberra.

Senator Watson will long be remembered for his significant contribution to shaping the prudential regulation of superannuation in Australia. An unrivalled detailed knowledge of the investment and accounting sectors has allowed Senator Watson to provide a guiding hand in the development of the superannuation industry over the last 30 years—a period in which a small and relatively unregulated industry has grown massively and become subject to significant government legislation and regulation. Senator Watson’s role over that period is unrivalled, and he has earned the highest respect from all involved in the industry for his depth of knowledge and expertise in this area.

Senator Watson also made a strong impact on Australia’s public accounts as Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit for many years. He believes that accountants make a crucial contribution in ensuring adequate scrutiny of bills. He has always strongly advocated for professional diversity in parliament to overcome what he has called the gross under-representation of the professions in government. To quote Investment and Financial Services Chief Executive Richard Gilbert:

He really cares about investors and his contributions to the tax world have been unparalleled.

In mid-2007 Senator Watson received the highest honour the CPA could bestow on him—the meritorious service award.

Also during his career, Senator Watson has served loyally as a shadow parliamentary secretary to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. I would like to recognise the dignity and integrity that Senator Watson has always delivered to his role as a senator for Tasmania. Indeed, he has always emphasised that he is primarily a senator for Tasmania and that he has been proud of his independence and determination to represent his state.

To John and his wife, Jocelyn: I would like to wish you a long and healthy retirement from politics—although, knowing John, I am sure he will keep actively working on his farm and within the community. John, thank you for all you have done for Tasmania and the country in this place.

To the other retiring coalition senators, Senators Kemp—and I must say that I have enjoyed your sense of humour and I will miss that aspect of being in this place—Patterson, Chapman, Lightfoot and Sandy Macdonald, I would also like to pass on my best wishes and regards. I have only had the pleasure of working with them for a short period of time, although I had met most prior to joining this place. Of course, as Senator Patterson’s immediate neighbour both in this place and in terms of offices, I have been lucky to receive many pearls of wisdom and advice from Senator Patterson, all of which have been greatly appreciated. To each of the six retiring coalition senators: thank you for your contribution to the nation and best wishes for a long and fruitful retirement. I would also like to pass on my best wishes to all other retiring senators.