Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the opposition, I rise to congratulate Senator Marshall on being elected Deputy President and Chairman of Committees. Senator Marshall and I were elected to this place in the same election along with Senator Moore and others, and it is very pleasing for me to see that he has been elected as our Deputy President. Not only has Senator Marshall demonstrated his regard for the traditions and conventions of this chamber in the time he has been here; those who have worked with him would, regardless of their political affiliation, attest to his interest in procedure and capacity to manage debate both in this chamber and in Senate committees effectively and fairly.

We are confident on this side of the chamber, and I am pleased that it is shared, that he will bring not only this expertise to the important role of Deputy President and Chairman of Committees but also a regard, as Senator Abetz said, for the traditions and conventions of this Senate which are so important to Australian democracy.