Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

On an occasion such as this I want to acknowledge the important contributions of the three senators that we honour tonight: Senator Wortley, Senator O'Brien and Senator Forshaw. I want to make some particular remarks about my Tasmanian colleague Senator O'Brien, but I will make some remarks first about Senator Wortley and Senator Forshaw.

Senator Wortley is bright, forthright and always on the mobile phone—I certainly noticed that. I have not known her that well or for that long and I deeply regret the fact that she was not re-elected. She would have continued to make a very passionate, knowledgeable and intelligent contribution. You never forget when you have had a conversation with her. All the very best, Senator. I am sure you have a great deal more to contribute.

Mike Forshaw I have known for a long time. I agree with Steve Hutchins: Mike always did what he thought was right. And at times that is not easy from New South Wales when you are in the Right! I do acknowledge Mike's application of his conscience on a number of occasions; I have admired that. We had some good times together. One particular trip over in Paris is particular memorable, but now is not the time to go into the details. All the best, Mike, to you and your family.

I have known Kerry since 1983. I thought I knew him longer than anyone in this place, but I was not aware that Kerry knew Steve Hutchins in Young Labor in New South Wales. Kerry came to Tasmania in 1983 in unusual circumstances. He became secretary of the Miscellaneous Workers Union. I know all of the circumstances; I am not going to count them here, but there were unusual circumstances in Kerry coming to Tasmania for that union.

Quite a few things struck me about Kerry, and he has carried those attributes or observations I made of him right through to this day. He is very intelligent, very diligent, knowledgeable and utterly committed to whatever his task at hand, whether it was with the union in that period or, more latterly, during his Senate career. He is incredibly tenacious and a person of great substance. As he mentioned, he came into the Senate as the replacement for John Coates shortly after we moved into opposition. It is a bit of a tradition in Tasmania, and quite a lot of us know of this, that you are expected to move to suit the circumstances of a party in Tasmania.