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

As I pointed out yesterday, Senator Brandis was famous for calling the former Prime Minister Mr Howard a lying rodent. He is also well known for plotting against Mr Abbott's succession to the leadership of the Liberal Party. Senator Conroy was wrong—Senator Brandis never made cabinet, and I hope he never does.

I am deeply saddened at Minister Abib's resignation. He has served this government very well. He has been a huge contributor. He is passionate about issues such as Indigenous employment, homelessness—and sport, I might add. He has made a tremendous contribution to this Labor government. He is a very capable young man. I urged him not to go but he has, for his own reasons—he has made those public—chosen to stand down. It is a loss to the Labor Party and to the Senate but I wish him well.