George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, on behalf of the government, may I congratulate Senator Lines on her election without opposition to be Deputy President and Chair of Committees of the Senate. It is a very high honour, and we wish you well in the discharge of that office, Senator Lines.

It would be remiss of me to let the opportunity pass without acknowledging, with thanks and appreciation, the role of Senator Marshall, the previous occupant of the position. Senator Marshall, you were an outstanding Deputy President of the Senate. You were respected by all government senators for your fairness, your even-handedness, your authority, your command of the standing orders and the willing spirit of cooperation which you enjoyed with the President of the Senate. There was never a breath of partisanship when you were in the chair. Senator Lines, you have big shoes to fill, which we are sure and confident that you will do.