Steve Fielding (Victoria, Family First Party) Share this | Hansard source

I concur with all the remarks so far. The Senate is indebted to Harry Evans, the parliament is indebted to you and the nation is also indebted. You are a prime example of what Australians love about Australia. You are humble, you have no tickets on yourself but you are like a walking encyclopedia. You have walked without fear or favour; you have walked with integrity. You have always been available, I would say, to nearly anyone. I have only been here a short time and I acknowledge the father of the Senate will say more in that regard, but I can assure you that you are the essence of what Australia is about as you have gone about doing your work without any great tickets on yourself.

It is amazing that you have continued for 21 years as Clerk of the Senate. I do not think we are ever going to be able to replace you—with no reflection on the new person at all. I have only drawn on a part of that 21 years of experience and I can assure you that it has been most valuable. You recently told ABC Radio National that the best parliamentary system is one where no party has a majority. It would not come as a surprise to you that I totally agree with this. I lived under the Howard government and I think that government failed in the end because of its control of the Senate.

I want to say, Harry, that you have been a true Australian, never being swayed by politics and always giving professional and independent advice. I think this country—I have to be careful what I say here—should bestow on you the highest honour. I cannot speak more highly of an individual in this nation. I am serious, because you know exactly what this Senate means to Australia more than anyone else in this country. I take my hat off to you. I wish you well in your retirement. If I could hire you, I would! If I could have you as a twin brother, I probably would too. Thank you so much for what you have done and the sacrifices that you have made to serve this nation in such a distinguished way and with such honour. I wish you and your wife well in retirement.