Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

respectful debate on something where we are electing the Deputy President. It is a reflection of a Westminster system, which, in this chamber, also recognises that no single party of government, as I said, holds the majority—generally—in the chamber.

I'll make a couple of comments about Senator McLachlan. He may have only served in this chamber since 2020, but he had been a member of the Legislative Council in our home state of South Australia for some time prior to that. I do want to say—and this is no disrespect to you, President—that I'm delighted that another South Australian is taking a leadership role in this place. I note—

An honourable senator interjecting—

The Tasmanians have got the whips sewn up though! He's also served as president of the legislative council for a couple of years. I think that role, his experience in presiding in that role, has been evident in his work in this chamber. I look forward to working with you. We hope you and the President will form a very good team in the way that we've seen under previous presidents and deputy presidents, a very collegiate approach to the management of the chamber, and I look forward to your fair and inclusive chairing continuing. The government congratulates you, Senator McLachlan, and we wish you all the best in your role.