Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong—Leader of the Opposition) (14:03): When the time comes to farewell former members and senators, we often look back at their final speech and their first—the bookends of their parliamentary life. Sometimes people leave this place spitting fire, lining up their old foes for one last blast of overdue indignation. Others prefer a potted history of battles lost and won, sometimes creatively reworking their involvement, or, indeed, which side they were on. Then there are the more sentimental types: people whose final words as a member or senator are full of emotion and reflection, and nostalgia for what's gone and what will not return. Brian Francis Gibson, who we remember today, did none of this. He came to the Senate from business success in 1993 and he spoke first of the need for microeconomic reform, for more jobs and investment in Tasmania, and for more rigorous fiscal discipline. He left nine years later hammering exactly the same message—still demanding a better deal for his state, still urging smaller government, lower spending and new efforts on microeconomic reform. Senator Gibson's career as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer was over within months, ended by a conflict of interest in the short life of Prime Minister Howard's ministerial code of conduct. Despite being held in high regard by colleagues on all sides, he never got another chance to serve in the executive. I am going to quote another former colleague of Brian's, not known for his limitless generosity to members of the coalition—Senator Conroy. He said, 'Brian's resignation was Australia's loss.' I think we will search in vain for a bitter word from Brian about his fate. His setback didn't change his view about what he thought was important. It didn't deviate him from the economic and social policy that he believed in. He was a Liberal and a Tasmanian, and a loyal servant of his party, his state and what he believed to be the best interests of his nation. We offer the condolences of the parliament to his family, friends and loved ones. May he rest in peace. The SPEAKER: I thank both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for their remarks. I am sure the House won't mind me briefly saying that I knew Brian very well. I worked closely with him all those years ago. The remarks of both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition sum up Brian, who was a true gentleman. As a mark of respect, I ask all present to signify their approval by rising in their places. Honourable members having stood in their places— The SPEAKER: I thank the House.