Alan Ferguson (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Hansard source

You are probably right, Senator Brandis. But, in fact, if they would only take the time to see just how an upper house of parliament actually does its business, they might find they are admirers of a democracy that is working very well. I always find it rather sad that people in the House of Representatives—I guess that is the nature of things if you have a border around a small constituency or electorate—are just concerned about pleasing everybody in that electorate because they want to get back next time. When senators are elected to this place, they have a different constituency. They have a different role to play. They probably have more of an issues based concern about what takes place in this place than even a party political position sometimes. I have always been glad that whenever I or any of my colleagues have gone to Harry Evans for advice we could always place our faith in the fact that it would be good advice, that it would be accurate, that it would be timely and that it would serve us in good stead in the future.

Harry, on a personal note, I want to thank you sincerely for the way you treated me when I was President, because a new President in particular needs advice constantly. I am sure that anybody who has been President realises that. The way you freely gave of your advice is something that I will not forget. I certainly wish you well in the future. I note that you like bushwalking. I hope that climate change alarmists are not too right and it does not get too hot for you to walk in the next few years. You deserve to enjoy your time when you leave this place because you have provided the sort of service that you see only once in a lifetime. Thank you.