Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, on behalf of the National Party, I'd like to congratulate you on your ascension to the presidency. As we look across the Liberal Party, you would be somebody with the skill sets for it—particularly your knowledge of standing orders and your knowledge of the Constitution. But, most importantly, there is your well-known love of the Senate and the special role that it plays as a particular institution across our parliament.

There is another element, of course, of impartiality. We've heard from the others across the chamber, and the consistent process is, of course, that you're trusted and that you're a decent person but also that you respect this place so much that you will always be impartial. Congratulations on your ascension.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge what I consider just a fantastic role that the previous President, Senator Parry, played. I have plenty of conversations across the chamber, and the words said about Senator Parry are that he was fair and impartial. I would say that, since I've been in this place, he was certainly the best President I've ever served under, and we wish him well in the future.

Mr President, congratulations on behalf of The Nationals on your ascension.