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

I think on many issues you are closer to me than him, Senator. Nick has very strongly held and well argued positions that are clearly on the conservative side. I remember as immigra­tion minister trying to convince him that there was some value in immigration but I am not sure that I won that discussion.

Nick, congratulations on a very successful career. You were obviously a very effective minister and were well regarded in the government and in the wider community. From our side of politics I think it is fair to say that we regarded you as a professional, someone whose word could be trusted. I know that when we were both leaders of our respective parties I knew I could have a private conversation with you that would remain private—which is something not as well regarded these days as it used to be but I am a bit old fashioned about these things—and also that if we reached an agreement it would be honoured. I very much respect you for that as well as for your capabilities. You are obviously a very able and effective politician and I am told you could be slightly on the ruthless side when required. Luckily, most of that was always concentrated on the more liberal members of the South Australian Liberal Party and not on myself.