Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I will keep this brief because the accolades for Claire Moore have been well and truly shared with the chamber this evening, but I'm sure I speak for many of those coalition senators who are not here this evening. Sunday marked the seventh anniversary of the passing of the former Senator Judith Adams, and I remember sitting on the other side of the chamber, shortly after I was sworn in—you were sitting on this side of the chamber—hearing your contributions about Judith's contributions. In that very early instant, I got a sense of the deep interest, compassion and genuine desire you have for improving the livelihoods of many, many people. I know that, if former Senator Sue Boyce were here, she would also be applauding the contribution that you have made.

The Senate is probably one of the most poorly understood institutions in our country. In it, the committee system is very poorly understood, most particularly amongst our House of Representatives colleagues sometimes. You and I have participated in inquiries not just on the community affairs committee but also on the joint human rights committee when I was the chairman, testing the boundaries of joint parliamentary committees and their work and pushing the boundaries against executive government. On behalf of all coalition senators that have worked with you and joined in the contributions that you have made, I extend our deepest appreciation. Your contribution has already reverberated through this building and through this country, and I'm sure it will continue to do so in decades to come. Thank you.