Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

The incorporated speech read as follows—

With 14 Senators concluding their terms in the Senate on 30 June, it is impossible to do justice to the depth and significance of their individual service—the subject of these Valedictory speeches.

When you have worked closely with a group of men and women they become more than just colleagues. The relationships that have been forged with Senate colleagues are strong and those relationships will endure.

Regardless of our different political hues, it is fair to say that together we have enjoyed the enormous privilege of being elected to serve the Australian people. This forges a bond that is not easily broken, and I fancy we will remember each other with respect and regard.

However briefly, I will mention some of the retiring Senators in more detail - not to recount their many varied and significant achievements - that will be done in their own speeches and by others.

I have never been one to rely heavily on the Parliamentary Library for biographies and on this occasion my remarks will be personal, reflective, heartfelt, but unfortunately incomplete.

I will start with my dear friend, Senator Kay Patterson—a mentor to many and a friend to us all. After Kay entered this august place in 1987, she went through many discouraging years of Opposition and ultimately in the Howard Government, was appointed a Cabinet Minister in the Health portfolio, the eighth woman in Australia’s history to be appointed to a Cabinet position.

She has an incredible work ethic. A journalist recently described her Cabinet Portfolio work this way—“Her determination to focus on the BEST health outcomes, rather than the political points that earn publicity, means that there is a huge gap between perceptions of the job she has done, and the reality.”

Having served in the Cabinet with Kay I can truly vouch for her compassion and commonsense approach to many a vexed issue. Her passion and work for achieving better treatment for ageing parents of adult disabled children is just one example of her tireless championing of complex issues - and her work on this alone would have made her time in this place worthwhile.

Her contributions while Health Minister in the Cabinet were significant—doubling the immunisation programme, improving pathology standards, introducing a pilot scheme for early detection of bowel cancer, increasing the number of outer-metropolitan doctors, and foreign medical graduates of Australian universities as hospital interns—to mention a few.

Warmth, humour, compassion, and care all describe Kay’s style—whether as a Senator, Cabinet Minister, or simply an outstandingly successful woman.

The State of Victoria was very lucky indeed to have Kay represent them. Many of us have great stories, and wonderful memories of our times with Kay. But for me—I can truly say—“I will miss you enormously Kay”.

Senator Rod Kemp entered the Senate in 1990, and also worked hard with others to bring the Coalition to Government in 1996. As the Assistant Treasurer he carried much of the burden in the Senate of the implementation of the GST—a formidable burden and task. I can well recall him taking every question in Question Time for consecutive weeks.

I had the pleasure of working with Rod as Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts from 2004 to 2007. As Minister for Arts and Sport, he devoted himself to the job, working tirelessly—specially on Melbourne’s Commonwealth Games in 2006, and he delivered a significant increase in funding to the Arts portfolio across the varied fields of orchestras, contemporary arts, regional arts, and national institutions during his tenure. He deserves to be congratulated for his substantial contribution to advancing Australia’s culture and the Arts.

Senator John Watson—(or Watto as we all call him affectionately) really is a long-standing servant for Tasmania in this Chamber, being first elected in 1977.

John served in the Opposition Shadow Ministry from 1990 - 1994, at the same holding positions as Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Parliamentary Secretary to the Business and Economic Group and Parliamentary Secretary to the Chairperson, the Economy, Public Sector and the Law Management Group—all until 1993/1994.

Watto distinguished himself in many ways, but is probably best known for his extensive knowledge of superannuation and as the participant in dozens of reports of the Senate Standing Committee on Superannuation.

As Assistant Treasurer at the time, I know just how significant his contributions to superannuation were. I read in an article recently that Senator Watson “still knows more about superannuation than anyone else in parliament.” Those sorts of comments have usually been self-generated, but in Watto’s case, it is a fair assessment.

John Watson may claim that the reform of superannuation was his greatest passion, but I believe the Liberal Party, and the people of Tasmania, were the greatest beneficiaries of his service, and of course this Chamber. And for all those contributions - we thank him.

Senator Grant Chapman is another long standing member of the Liberal Party, elected to the Senate for South Australia in 1987 after also serving for 8 years in that other Chamber as the Federal Member for Kingston.

The dedication and commitment to his work has certainly not gone unnoticed within the Senate where he has a distinguished record, particularly as Chairman of many of the Senate’s Committees, but particularly that of the Senate’s Corporations Committee.

Senator Chapman, now referred to as a political veteran, has spent a lot of his time dedicated to representing Australia overseas. You may all remember that Senator Alston used to be referred to as “Marco Polo”—but I think Senator Chapman has a better claim to this title given his vast work around the globe.

Senator Ross Lightfoot first provided sterling service in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly, and then the Western Australian Legislative Council, prior to being appointed, then elected as a Senator for Western Australia.

Senator Lightfoot has sometimes been described as one of the most “outspoken and gun toting” Senators. Sometimes referred to as “extreme”, he has never made any apologies for his convictions and has always voiced them strongly.

When announcing his retirement last year, Ross commented on how he thought he was never cut out for politics—but I disagree. In this game, we may not always be popular, but ultimately those who do not pretend to be what they are not will be respected. I wish Senator Lightfoot all the best for the future, and commend him for his lengthy service.

I am sorry to see Senator Sandy Macdonald leave the Senate for the second time, having been elected again as a National Senator in 2001.

Sandy has always done his very best to represent his constituents in NSW on a diverse range of issues, even under great pressure that saw him cross the floor in support of them during the Wik debates.

Sandy’s range of interests go from wool, to defence, to foreign affairs, to ASIO, to community affairs, and his travel record indicates he needed a “king size” Passport to enable him to carry out the many parliamentary trips he made overseas, whilst at home he was honoured by being appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, followed by appointment as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence.

Sandy can best be described as an urbane and decent man and he will be missed.

It has been a matter for media commentary and for my part, regret, that this Senate session also sees the exit of the Australian Democrats who have occupied a significant place in Australian political history. They have been over the years represented by committed and able Senators.

Whatever side of the political divide you fall on, Natasha Stott Despoja is someone to admire, particularly in terms of the landmarks she has achieved for Australian women. When she was elected she was the youngest woman to sit in the Parliament of Australia.

She is also retiring as the longest serving Democrat Senator, either male or female.

Throughout her colourful career, Senator Stott Despoja has faced adversity, especially throughout her term as Leader of the party. I have found her to be articulate and her arguments well thought out. She will have a successful future, and I know she has plans to do some honorary work as a research fellow with her former University, the University of Adelaide.

Senator Andrew Murray entered the Senate at the same time I did in 1996 and in the time he has served here he has gained a reputation as an intelligent and thoughtful debater, while continually championing the need for greater parliamentary accountability.

He supported the Goods and Services Tax, helping the Coalition Government to carry through the bills in 1999.

I recently read an article that described Senator Murray as “one of the most able politicians in the land” and I believe he will be remembered for his forensic and dignified questioning throughout Senate Estimates. I have spent many hours with Senator Murray but lest this be misinterpreted, it was in my role as the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer with carriage of innumerable tax bills. Senator Murray never let up. He insisted on the best outcomes he could possibly achieve. This was not always an easy path for me, but I respect his integrity and deep interest in sound tax policy.

In not going on at great length about each retiring Senator, I do however want to acknowledge, Senators Allison, Bartlett, Campbell, Kirk, Nettle and Webber

Each of you have served with distinction; each can be rightfully proud of your achievements; and each of you will leave with the respect, admiration and good wishes of those of us who remain to serve in this wonderful Senate.

Good luck to all the retiring Senators of 2008. Don’t be strangers —and visit us when you can.