Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I just want to say a few brief words on behalf of Senator McKim and myself as Tasmanian senators. I'm based in the north, as is Jacqui. We've had a very good relationship over the years. Some of it's been covert and some of it's been not so covert. I'm looking forward to publishing the pictures of us standing in the big Tarkine tree together now.

But I just want to say something we've been reflecting on as a group. You meet a lot of people in your life who say to you that they want to go into politics, and I and others respond to them by saying: 'Why? Why do you want to go into politics?'

Going into politics because you think you're going to achieve your potential and it's a career and it's a well-paid job isn't good enough; you need to go into politics for a reason. And I think you are a really good example of someone who has gone into politics for a good reason. There's no-one in here who could deny your issue, and that was your life story—to fight for veterans and for justice for so many Australians who've been suffering.

I think you are a really good example of someone who is intelligent and passionate, who has come into this place and has listened to the information before them. I believe I've seen you change over the years. In saying that, we haven't agreed on everything. And I'll never be able to look at my whipper snipper the same again! But I do believe that you've come to this place and you've dealt with the really serious issues, and I would say that you've been on the progressive side of politics—well and truly on the progressive side of politics. So I've enjoyed my time with you and I've got no doubt there'll be times in the future where we'll work together again.