Ron Boswell (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

As one of the two people remaining in this place that saw Harry Evans take the chair on the right of the bench and become the father of the house, can I say to you, Harry, that I thank you for the service that you have given to this institution. I was Leader of the National Party for 17 years and, if I had to describe you, I would say that nothing was ever too much trouble and nothing was beyond you. You could always walk in—and I have experienced this even in the last couple of weeks when I sought some advice on the ETS—and advice would be forthcoming. If you required it in writing, you got it in writing on the day or the next day. Nothing was ever too much trouble. You are going to be sadly missed in this place—certainly by the Independents and the Greens, who I think use you and the clerk’s office much more than other people. As far as I am concerned, you were a great friend to me, who had to come to you for advice many, many times.

Twenty-one years in the Senate is a long time. It is a long time to be a servant to the people. And you would have dealt with totally different people from all sides of politics—from the Greens to the Labor Party to the Nationals and the Liberals. I do not think I have ever heard anyone say anything bad about you, certainly not personally. On occasions some people have disagreed with your decisions, but I have never heard anyone say, ‘We should get rid of him,’ or something like that. You have always been highly regarded in this place. Can I take the opportunity of wishing you all the best in your retirement. I hope you enjoy your bushwalking. I hope you enjoy all the things that come with retirement and more time with your wife and family. Good luck.