Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

Congratulations, Mr President. In congratulating you I would like to thank the opposition for acting consistent with convention, as we do, in supporting the government's nominee for President. You are in many ways a perfect fit for the position of President. You are trusted, you are fair, you are impartial and you have a deep understanding of parliamentary democracy, Westminster traditions, the Constitution and Australian political history. Indeed, you have a deep love of the Senate as a central institution of parliamentary democracy. You have presided over our proceedings so far as our President with good humour and the appropriate levels of independence. We wish you well in reassuming your office.