Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

If I had 2½ years, I could not say well enough what I think about the senator who has just spoken. Through you, Mr Acting Deputy President: Kerry Nettle, our parliament’s loss is the Australian community’s gain. You are a magnificent Australian citizen with a lot more to give not just to this country but to the whole world. You came here and, in your first speech, apologised to the Indigenous people for the loss that they had suffered to make us all prosper in the way that we have. Just before you are due to leave, we have seen the Prime Minister deliver a speech of apology to the very same people. Your vision for Australia is optimistic; your vision for the world is positive. Your commitment to women in the world and dispossessed groups has been second to none in this parliament. You have brought a young and wonderful intelligence into this place. You have shown great courage. I remember you standing up in the other chamber when President Bush was speaking to represent a strong voice in Australia, which now has majority support.

You have been campaigning with groups who have been in the minority in this country, and you have seen the progress of those people to the forefront, particularly on social justice and environmental issues in this nation. I thank those who have supported you, and I am buoyed by the thought that you are now going to have much more time for them and be much closer to them. They deserve it, and so do you. I know that we are going to see a lot more of Greens Senator Kerry Nettle in her new role and her new freedom working for this nation. All I can say is: thank you for being such a wonderful friend. Thank you for being such a fine intellect. Thank you for being such an honourable person. Thank you for being such a great advocate for many people who otherwise would not have had a voice in this representative parliament. You are a splendid human being.