Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—Mr President, can I begin by thanking you very much for your wise stewardship of this chamber in the period in which you have presided over us. You have done it, I think, with great wisdom, calmness and patience for the period in which you have been there, despite some duress. Also, on behalf of the coalition, I particularly want to thank the former President and now Deputy President, Senator Alan Ferguson, for his great service to this chamber throughout 2008, a service which we all honour and respect. I also want to add my thanks along with yours and the government’s to our Clerk, Harry Evans, and all Senate officials, particularly Andrea, who is of course leaving us this year. Again, it has been a remarkable display of professionalism and loyalty to all that is best about this chamber from our Senate officials. And, of course, to all Parliament House staff: we thank them.

It has been my observation in my time here that the Senate displays a level of decorum and civility unfamiliar to the House of Representatives. While we might not always be perfect in our behaviour, I think the behaviour in this chamber is far superior to that of our colleagues in the other place. I think that has been on display in 2008 and I look forward to that continuing in 2009. As part now of the non-government side of the chamber, I thank the other non-government senators for their cooperation on a range of issues that have come before the chamber throughout the course of this year. In conclusion, I just want to wish every senator a very happy Christmas.