Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

He knows what I mean. Seriously, Russell Trood has brought that experience to the parliament and applied it to foreign affairs and international relations issues in this parliament to great effect. In a parliament where sometimes we are not known for our interest in ideas, Senator Trood's contribution has been notable for that. In his first speech he said:

Ideas and education matter, not just for the prosperity they promise but because free and open societies depend on them.

That was a commendable thought in his first speech, one that he sought to give effect to in his contribution to the parliament and one that, as the current tertiary education minister, I wholeheartedly endorse. I think it is an important reflection on the value of ideas and education in our society.

He referred to the fact that he has been quite an effective senator for raising constituent issues in this place and pursuing them persistently to good effect. I should not say this in front of the other senators but I have actually found him more effective in estimates than many of you because he has used a more reasonable and less aggressive and inquisitorial style that actually puts you under a bit more pressure than perhaps some of the more frontal assaults some of you are known for. I probably should not say that in case you take heed of what is not meant to be good advice! Certainly from the government's point of view Senator Trood is well-respected. We thought he was an interesting and valuable addition to the Senate and he has made a contribution that I think the Senate will miss. He will be a loss to the Liberal Party in this place.

But there is life after politics, particularly for a well-credentialled academic with a master's degree from the University of Wales. Given the current Prime Minister and the current education minister are of Welsh descent, we regard him as a highly credentialled man, and I am sure there will be life after politics. But, seriously, Russell Trood has made a good contribution to the Senate and one that will be missed.

I think all three senators have records they can be proud of and have brought different contributions to the Senate. Unlike many of my colleagues, I said that before you gave your final speeches, I have said it on the occasion of your final speeches and I will say it after your final speeches as well. I think there is too much in this parliament of remembering people fondly once they have gone and not treating them with respect while they are here. Each of you have made an important contribution to the parliament, and the government acknowledges that. All the best to all three of you.