Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Environment, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I don't recall when I first met Marise Payne, but I do know one thing: it wasn't in the 1990s, because I was in high school at the time. But enough on that!

People like this don't come along very often, and it has been an absolute privilege and honour to serve with Marise in this place. Aside from the obvious and objective metrics of success that hang around Marise—one is seniority through the ministerial and leadership roles she has had in this place, but there's also her longevity—there are other characteristics that are less tangible. Some have been mentioned, like the achievements of your time as a minister.

God knows that there are some people that come into this place, sit here for a long time and look back and wonder what they've actually done. You aren't one of those—absolutely not! We've heard a number of contributions today that pointed out a number of those. But the respect with which you are regarded, the way people work with you and the deference which is shown to you when people are dealing with you, are things that you have earned, not just by being here a long time but because of who you are and what you've done. And that respect is not just across this chamber and this parliament—and over successive parliaments—but globally too. The leader mentioned before the international leaders who have expressed their good wishes upon your retirement from this place.

Also, most importantly in terms of respect, there are a couple of Albanian expats who certainly learned to respect you after they put you through your paces at a Queensland fundraiser. The fact that they respected you meant I certainly had to respect you. For those who are wondering, I'm talking about my in-laws—and anyone who knows them knows that they mean business! It's very easy to see why people do respect Marise Payne for what she has done. When you see her at work, up close and personal—whether it's her commitment to justice for women, which we have heard burns bright in her still, or her passion for the community of Western Sydney—everything mattered. Everything she did and said mattered. For me, as someone who has only been here for six or so years now, that's one thing that stood out. People who serve for an extended period of time can be forgiven for losing the fire in the belly—the passion for what it was they came here to do. But 26 years on, that flame burns bright; the seriousness and the commitment you've had remains there.

It was clear to see: the passion, not just for Western Sydney or New South Wales but for Australia and its place on the world stage. That was so critically important, and you discharged your duties there so wonderfully. It certainly gives me something to look up to and to be inspired by. I don't know how long I will be here for; I doubt it will be for 26 years. I suspect the preselectors of Tasmania will be very sick of me by then! While there has probably not been a conscience vote in this Senate where you and I sat on the same side of the chamber, I do count you as a dear friend, someone who I trust and whose judgement I respect. I look forward to working with you after you leave this place.

I will quote from a Labor woman, as a matter of fact, in reflecting on my views about Marise Payne. That Labor woman is my grandmother, who was a Labor candidate for the upper house in the seat of West Devon in the 1970s in Tasmania.