Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Hansard source

I will bring the statements to a conclusion myself, if I may. Being a senator from Western Australia and other parts poses unique challenges. The distances travelled and the time spent away from home are so much greater than for those of us who happen to reside closer to Canberra. A number of senators, and you, Senator Siewert, have commented on the unique burdens in appreciation of your family and the challenges you have faced. Those of us whom you have spoken to about it particularly acknowledge that. The burdens of serving from Western Australia, particularly with your workload over such a period, are quite extraordinary.

I would like to associate myself with other colleagues' statements but particularly make some observations from my role as President. Through all my time here, you have had a unique standing amongst the stakeholders with whom you have worked. As Senator Birmingham outlined, your passion reflected your genuine concern for those lacking a voice, who felt like they lacked a voice or who lacked someone who spoke for them in this place. You sought to represent them. As President, I acknowledge your role and contribution in making this place work. A couple of people have commented that whips have a reputation outside this place that doesn't reflect all their work. As well as being disciplinarians—as your colleagues have so graciously outlined—the whips really do so much to facilitate the operation of the Senate, and we must remember that it's the Senate that effectively decides the passage of legislation in this country. It is a hard and not fairly acknowledged role, but it is utterly integral to the work we do here. I understand that not only are you the longest-serving whip in the building but also you are the longest-serving committee chair in the building—in this place and the other place. You have been an absolutely critical cog in the machinery of the Senate, and therefore the entire parliament.

Others have rightly acknowledged your enormous contribution and your work in social, community and health policy, but as President I'd like to acknowledge your critical work in making parliament work, and offer my personal thanks for the work you've done and all the effort you've made to assist me in my role. You have always been honest, clear, trustworthy and committed to ensuring all senators can be their best and seek to strive for people as much as they can. Congratulations, Senator Siewert.