Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I rise on behalf of the opposition to congratulate you, Mr President, on your re-election as President of the Senate. Fairness and impartiality are obviously key attributes for any person holding this position, especially in this chamber, which is the only chamber in the parliament in which executive government can actually be held to account, given the numbers in the House of Representatives. We know you recognise that you hold this position on the trust of the Senate, not as a partisan. We also know that you have a deep respect for the principles and conventions of our democracy, such as the separation of powers and the principle of ministerial accountability—principles which more in this parliament might recognise. We recognise you also hold a deep respect for the role the Senate has in Australia's democracy and we look forward to continuing to work with you.