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

That was said with some understatement, right? We all know that. We also know what it is to live under intense scrutiny, away from our loved ones, and the personal toll it can take. It speaks to Marise's courage and resilience that for so many years, particularly in the Howard government, she was prepared to stand her ground on issues she cared deeply about, regardless of whether that benefited, or did not, her personal career advancement.

Senator Payne, you will be rightly remembered for your commitment both to the Liberal Party and to liberalism, particularly at a time when many might have seen those positions as being in conflict. And in doing so, you demonstrated your commitment to your principles. I said in my public statement after Senator Payne indicated her resignation that I respected her love of country and her belief in our institutions, particularly the Senate. Along the way, Senator Payne has held senior cabinet roles: Human Services, Women and Defence—indeed, she was Australia's first woman defence minister—again, another historic achievement. And then of course she held foreign affairs.

There is special responsibility in this portfolio to put the country above any other interests. I think that those of us who have had the high and rare privilege of serving as Australia's foreign minister are acutely aware of that. The political environment clamours for binaries of black and white, but foreign affairs is a portfolio that requires an ability to chart a course through complexity and ambiguity. I would say that Senator Payne sought to do this—perhaps even when others took a different tack. This is to her great credit and to our country's benefit.

Throughout her parliamentary career Marise Payne has sought to be a leader for women and girls, and to encourage as many women and girls as possible to get involved in politics.

I am advised that Senator Payne's retirement makes me the longest-serving female senator. I do not thank her for making me feel old, but I do thank her for her contribution. On behalf of the government, I congratulate Senator Marise Payne on her 26 years of dedicated service to the people of New South Wales and to this Senate. I wish you all the very best for your life beyond this place.