Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

As Manager of Opposition Business I wish to set an example and incorporate my speech, such is the fortnight we face. But before I seek leave, I say to my colleagues that we shall miss you all. We have a body of coalition senators here who have made an outstanding contribution to this country and to its parliament. For that I say thank you and we shall miss you. I seek leave to incorporate my remarks.

Leave granted.

The incorporated speech read as follows

Mr President, in this last sitting fortnight for this Senate term, we farewell no less than 14 Senators from every party in this Chamber.

From the Coalition, we farewell the father of the Senate John Watson, Kay Patterson, Rod Kemp, Grant Chapman, Ross Lightfoot and Sandy MacDonald.

It is hard in the short time available to place on record the acknowledgement and personal remarks which appropriately address the combined outstanding years of service represented by this group of Senators.

John Watson, the Father of the Senate, commenced his term in 1977. Over that time, John or “Wato” as he is affectionately known has made a significant contribution to the Senate Committee system, particularly in the area of Finance and Public Accounts where he served for more than twenty five years. Senator Watson chaired the Select Committee on Superannuation for a record 10 years and did much work in an area few fully understood. A fierce representative for Tasmania, Senator Watson never missed an opportunity to address the interests of his State.

Senator Patterson not only made a significant contribution as a senior Minister in the Howard Government but was also a source of wise counsel over the many years I have known her. In particular, Kay has been a house mother to us all if you like surrounded by some naughty boys. I stress they have now all left! On a more serious note, Kay always took time out for those who had more serious personal issues. Her concern and support for the late Jeannie Ferris who served as Government Whip during a long illness was such an example. Jeannie was an outstanding person who made a great contribution in the Senate. Kay had many achievements as a Minister however her work in the disabilities sector is one to which I pay special tribute. We all regret that Eric is not here to enjoy the time with Kay that will now be available to her as a result of her term expiry. My wife Caroline and I enjoyed his company immensely. We wish Kay a very happy time away from this place.

Rod Kemp was also a Minister with the Howard Government and one of a special number, namely Manager of Government Business in the Senate. Apart from his contribution as Minister to the Howard Government, the questions Rod took whilst Minister on the GST must be a Senate record. His approach for answering questions makes an illuminating study for new and aspiring Ministers. Notwithstanding the different questions, the answers all had a familiar ring in that they never changed.

Rod once told me that there were only two types of music; “country” and “western”. This no doubt stood him in good stead whilst Arts Minister although the influence of Danielle, his wife, was unquestionably positive. My wife Caroline and I wish them both well for the future and they will be missed at Lees on Wednesday night.

Grant Chapman leaves politics after an extensive career in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Indeed, Senator Chapman was first elected to the Federal Parliament in 1975 and is one of the few who have served in both Houses. His service to Corporate Affairs and conservative politics in the Senate has been outstanding.

Ross Lightfoot similarly leaves politics after a lengthy political career based not only in the Senate but in the Legislative Council of Western Australia. Ross, during his time, represented strongly those Western Australian issues which he championed. It is fair to say that Ross has brought a degree of colour and flair which has made this place all the more interesting.

Sandy MacDonald is one of those rare Senators who have left the Senate and then returned. Sandy has made a solid contribution particularly in the area of Defence. I wish Sandy and his lovely wife Alice and family all the best in some well earned time together.

To all the Coalition Senators who are leaving, I say you can all be proud of your achievements. Farewell and good luck with your new future.