Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will not detain the Senate for very long. I indicate that it is good to see retiring senators such as Senator Bartlett and Senator Chapman here to the very end. There are only minutes to go before we adjourn for what are their final moments in the chamber. I know that Senator Chapman has an emotional attachment to leaving here as we all walk out together when the adjournment is finally agreed to.

Could I also say, Mr President, congratulations on a fine term as President of the Senate. Your presiding months have been exemplary and I know you will leave your office with a heavy heart in August prior to us commencing in the chamber again. From a personal perspective as whip of the coalition, I thank you very much. I have really enjoyed working with you on both sides, as Government Whip and now as Opposition Whip. Our relationship is necessarily close because of that involvement. Thank you. You leave the office with a great deal of respect.