John Hogg (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! Today is a significant day for the Senate. After 37 years in the radio commentary booth, Terry Malcolm is about to retire. His last question time from the Senate is today. Terry began parliamentary broadcasting in 1976 when presenters were confined to a tiny booth overlooking the chamber at what is now known as Old Parliament House. Terry has ridden a wave of change since then, including the establishment of the radio service at what we know today as New Parliament House.

Terry Malcolm has an abiding affection for Australian democracy. For a decade, he was the chief of staff for ABC NewsRadio's parliamentary broadcasting team. He was also a parliamentary guide for a similar length of time. For more than a third of a century, it was a rare parliamentary year that ended without Terry Malcolm's voice featuring in it; a year without Terry on ABC Radio at all was even rarer. Even after 37 years, Terry Malcolm has approached each day's broadcast with the same rigorous commitment to detail, clarity and professionalism. On behalf all senators, I wish Terry the very best in his retirement.

For the sake of the Hansard record, whilst clapping cannot be recorded in the Hansard, neither can the nod of appreciation from Terry, but that should also be included.