Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I advise the Senate that Senators Kitching, McDonald and Dean Smith have added their names to general business notice of motion No. 1171, relating to the retirement of long-serving Comcar driver Mr Tony Harriott. I, and also on behalf of Senators Kitching, McDonald and Dean Smith, move:

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges that COMCAR provides high quality, secure and confidential ground transport services to the Governor-General, Prime Minister, parliamentarians, members of the Federal judiciary and other high office holders;

(b) notes that Mr Tony Harriott, Australia's longest serving COMCAR driver, commenced work on 28 June 1971, and will enter retirement later this year;

(c) extends its gratitude for the professionalism and geniality Mr Harriott has demonstrated throughout his 50-year term of service to COMCAR; and

(d) on behalf of those Parliamentarians past and present who have had the pleasure of his company, expresses best wishes for a well-deserved retirement.

Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I'd like to add my name to that motion as well.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So done.

Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a brief statement in relation to the motion.

Leave granted.

Tony Harriott worked for the Australian government for 56½ years, having started in the surveyor department after he left school. He is probably the last of a generation of Comcar drivers that will clock up 50 years, given the casualised contractual arrangements they're now under. He is also celebrating 53 years of marriage to Rosemary, during which time they have together raised a much-loved family of three children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Tony often speaks with much pride and love of his family, and it is definitely time for him to pack up his golf clubs and set off on a few travels with Rosemary and his sister, Janet. To this purpose, we commend him all the very best and thank him for his dedicated and good-humoured service.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In putting the motion, I'll acknowledge the presence of Mr Harriott in the chamber. Welcome to the Senate—again!

Question agreed to.

Congratulations.

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

And can the Hansard record disclose that the motion was in fact carried by acclamation!

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm sure it will do so, now that you've made that observation.