Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of Derryn Hinch's Justice Party, I'd like to say congratulations to you on winning this election. I do believe it is the right of the major party in the Senate to make the appointment of the President of the Senate. Mr President, you were one of the first people I met as a Senator-elect in Melbourne last year. I think you're a great selection to be President. I would say to you—nobody else will understand this—Tahiti Nui is a great place, at which we shall one day celebrate, and because we're so close to Christmas I can say to you, Mr President, Mele Kalikimaka.

Senator Parry, I would say, was my favourite person in this whole chamber. As a newcomer, he treated me with respect, he gave me knowledge and he took me into his office and showed me the President's wig from decades ago. I found him to be an amazing President. He controlled this place fairly, amicably and with style and substance. I would say, though—I would be dishonest otherwise, because I've said it elsewhere—that I felt betrayed by President Parry. I thought as a former policeman he knew right from wrong, sitting in his chair for as long as he did. I think he was betrayed by the wrong advice he got from his ministerial colleagues. The way he went was very sad and was wrong. But I have to say he was a great President. Thank you.