David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

In addressing the retirement of Senator Nick Minchin, may I say, Nick, that leadership, discipline, respect and admiration are things that few people can achieve all at the same time. With respect to your Senate colleagues, when you led them and indeed when you were simply a minister in a very successful Howard government, that was a high-wire act that few can perform. But you have achieved it. You leave a template and a model of honesty and integrity that I think is a lesson for us all into our futures. I thank you for that and for your service to your state and of course for your service to your party and indeed this parliament. It has truly been a most magnificent contribution.

Julian McGauran, as a Western Australian the machinations of Victoria never cease to amaze me. I have been one of those senators who has always admired your wit and wisdom. Your speech tonight was one of the best I have heard for a very long time in this place. I did enjoy it, Julian. We will miss you. We wish you all the very best in your future. You have been someone whose company I have certainly enjoyed.

Lastly, to my friend Senator Alan Ferguson, who bears the title of 'Respected'. It is a title I think is worn better than any other senator in this chamber. He is a person of great modesty who said tonight that his achievements were few. I am struggling to think of anybody who has achieved so much. The achievement of chair of the joint standing committee was something; the achievement of President was something. I thank you for the time, courtesy and the mentoring you gave to me, along with Jeannie Ferris, when I first came here and to my colleagues, particularly those from Western Australia—and I know our South Australian colleagues benefited enormously. I thank you for those special moments of advice and consideration that you have given. You have been in many respects our Rock of Gibraltar in our party room. We will terribly miss that stability and that wisdom. It has always been a delight to see you in the corridors and to meet you at large. I look forward to continuing a long friendship. To you and Anne, all the very best.