John Williams (NSW, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I wish all the retiring senators all the best. Senator Wortley, from South Australia, we have a common friend in Jim Michalanney, who I went to school with in Adelaide. Senator Hurley, thank you for your time on the economics committee. Senator Fielding, I wish you well in what your future brings. Senator O'Brien, if I had known before what I found out tonight—that you were the reason Senator McGauran joined the Liberal Party—we might have had more words in the past. But I know he was perhaps being a bit humorous.

Senator Steve Hutchins, thank you for the times you have helped me behind the scenes with various problems I have had, including constituent issues. Steve was always there to help me. I hope that someday I can return those favours. Senator Forshaw, I remember when we played cricket—Steve Lewis was seriously batting away and I was wicket keeper. Steve got an edge and Michael Forshaw took the flukiest catch at the top of his reach. I do not know who was the most surprised, but it was the end of Steve Lewis's innings. I wish you well and thank you for your friendship.

Senator Troeth, thank you so much for your contribution over many years to this parliament. You are certainly a woman who sticks up for what you believe in, and you proved that on many occasions. Senator Trood, I did not have a lot to do with you but you command enormous respect. We wish you well in the future. Senator Barnett—and Kate and your family—we had a magnificent trip to Thailand, Anzac Day 2010. It was great to get to know you better then. Guy, I am sure we have not seen the last of you in one way or another in public life.

Senator Nick Minchin, thank you so much for your wonderful contribution to this parliament over many years. He is a man who commands enormous respect from the National Party. In various meetings and on some controversial issues, it was always, 'Look after Nick.' That was the bottom line. I think Senator Boswell had that recorded pretty often. We wish you well.

Senator Alan Ferguson, three years ago, we were having a mock sitting of the Senate here with the new senators—the muster of 2008—and my job was to stand up and move some formal motion, I think. I stood up and the Deputy President said 'Senator Williams.' I went to move the motion, and he said: 'Senator Williams, you have stood at the wrong time. You are out of order on the red.' I thought: 'What a great start to this place; I have stood up at the wrong time.' I was sat down and corrected. Alan, thank you so much for your magnificent contribution. You will be missed, but we will see you at Innamincka one year, I am sure.

Senator McGauran, thank you for the handwritten card today. I am not going to recite all of it, but it says: 'Wakker,'—it is 'Wacka', by the way—'You are a fine representative in the Senate and for your party. There should be more shearers in parliament.' I will not go into the other details. Julian, all the best. Can I say: your sins are almost forgiven, if I could put it that way. We do believe in forgiveness. You made your decision. I am glad that when you went back to that funeral—you told me about this before—you were very welcome. That is what the National Party is like. Good luck in your future, and thank you for that great speech tonight. It was a great speech, but after 24 years you should be able to speak properly! All the best, Julian.