Senator CHRIS EVANS (Western Australia—Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (17:27): On behalf of the government I would like to make some remarks about each of the three senators who have given their valedictory speeches tonight. It is a shame that most of them have left it to the last minute to give their best speeches! It seems a trend in the last few days that they are more eloquent and humorous than their earlier contributions. It is the freedom that comes from retirement, I suppose. Senator Minchin: Your best speech will be your last one! Senator CHRIS EVANS: Unfortunately, Senator Minchin, a few people have remarked that I am from the same school of '93 as you and perhaps I ought to consider my position! It is very uncharitable. I point out, though, that we have had reverse careers. We got elected at the same time, and you went straight into government while some of us toiled in opposition for many years. I was very keen to give you a decent length of experience in opposition at some stage, but you circumvented that by leaving. But I understand that decision. I make the point that the British Council, in about 1987-88, made a decision to award what are now called Chevening scholarships to two young party officials. There was a break from the normal tradition. They usually chose people with academic credentials. I did not know that they had chosen another one, but one was Senator Minchin and one was I—one from each side. We both got the opportunity to study in London. He studied voluntary voting, as I recall, and I studied privatisation. I suppose I was happier at the LSE than he might have been in terms of the environment. I understand that unfortunately they have never sent a party official since, and I do not know whether that is a reflection on me or on him or on both of us. Senator Minchin has had a very distinguished career in serving in the Howard government and, while I did not agree with him given his position on native title—and I do not want to sound condescending—I saw his understanding of Indigenous issues really grow during that period and I think he developed a real sensitivity about them over the period of having to deal with some quite difficult and challenging issues. I think it is fair to say that tonight we are farewelling three genuine Tories. I think all three are genuinely conservative people, and that was reflected in their contributions. I certainly think Nick Minchin would wear that badge with extreme pride. I have always found it difficult to understand how an intelligent and able bloke can come to such opposite conclusions to those of mine on so many issues and yet have— Senator Brandis: We understand! Senator CHRIS EVANS: I think on many issues you are closer to me than him, Senator. Nick has very strongly held and well argued positions that are clearly on the conservative side. I remember as immigration minister trying to convince him that there was some value in immigration but I am not sure that I won that discussion. Nick, congratulations on a very successful career. You were obviously a very effective minister and were well regarded in the government and in the wider community. From our side of politics I think it is fair to say that we regarded you as a professional, someone whose word could be trusted. I know that when we were both leaders of our respective parties I knew I could have a private conversation with you that would remain private—which is something not as well regarded these days as it used to be but I am a bit old fashioned about these things—and also that if we reached an agreement it would be honoured. I very much respect you for that as well as for your capabilities. You are obviously a very able and effective politician and I am told you could be slightly on the ruthless side when required. Luckily, most of that was always concentrated on the more liberal members of the South Australian Liberal Party and not on myself. Senator Birmingham: Not true! Senator CHRIS EVANS: Senator Birmingham probably bears the scars! But I understand there is a new rapport these days and a new rapprochement. Obviously, Senator Minchin was known as someone who provided leadership of groups inside the Liberal Party with great effect. As I say, he has had a tremendous career and is very well respected. He is certainly respected on this side of the parliament as a very professional and honourable politician and parliamentarian. I knew he was bordering on vegetarian but I was a little concerned about the idea that he was forming an organisation of which plants could become members. It did strike me as a little odd and as perhaps a sign it was probably time to retire. On behalf of the government, congratulations, Senator, on a fantastic career and you go with our best wishes. I would also like to mention the tragic incident involving your son Oliver. I know how deeply that affected you and your family. Having a son of the same age, I was very sympathetic. You bring them up and always hope for the best and expect them to be free of danger, and that must have been a huge shock and a terrible period for you and the rest of the family, and I know how much it impacted on you. But we are very pleased to hear reports of Oliver's recovery and wish him well in his defence career. I am sure he will make a great contribution, although I hope his politics are a little better than his dad's but I suspect not given what I have heard tonight about his mum's politics! So all the best, Nick. To Senator Alan Ferguson: you go very much with the appreciation of the whole chamber for a very successful career in this place. I know you like to pretend you were part of the class of '93 but we do not formally own you because you came in a little bit before that, but I remember you came to our orientation seminar. Alan has had a fantastic career in the parliament. I first worked with him when we were both on the superannuation select committee, which was very worthwhile work. It was probably the best committee that this parliament has had in terms of bipartisan work in staying in front of the partisan debate by actually doing longer term policy work. Alan made a huge contribution to that, along with people like Nick Sherry and Cheryl Kernot. It was a very good place for me, as a new senator, to learn some of those skills and have opportunities. But I suppose, Alan, you are best known as President of the Senate. You did a tremendous job. You were held in respect by me and my colleagues. We had some difficult discussions. I think it is actually harder to be President at a time when you have a majority in the Senate. While there are challenges when you do not have an automatic party support in the Senate, dealing with the expectations of your own colleagues to act in a less than impartial way is probably the biggest strain. There is an interesting discussion there, I think. I always respected the way you dealt with people fairly and with respect and that when we had a difficult discussion it was done maturely and with goodwill, and we have remained on good terms. I respected the fact that you brought a very calm demeanour and fairness to the role of President. The fact that you have got a sense of humour makes a huge difference. I will not name the former President who did not have a sense of humour but he was actually the worst President. It is funny but I think it is actually the most important skill to have, to have a sense of humour and a light touch, to help defuse situations in the Senate. Interestingly, I thought Noel Crichton-Browne was one of the best people that we have ever had in the chair. I do not think I have ever said anything good about Noel Crichton-Browne in my life—and I will not again. Senator CORMANN: It is actually the second time I have heard you say this. Senator CHRIS EVANS: Yes, but it is the only thing I say. Alan, I know you are very well regarded on our side. I am sure some of our senators who have had the chance to know you better and have travelled with you will want to say things about you. You are always regarded in this place as good company. I do not know quite why that is; I suspect because you are always happy to have a chat and a drink. I know people on this side have very strong relationships with you and will miss you. I have certainly enjoyed working with you and I am sure you will enjoy a less demanding lifestyle in future. Visiting your grandchildren in Perth is a very good idea. All the best and congratulations on a great career. Turning to Senator Julian McGauran, I reckon his best speech was his last. It was fantastic. It was a very entertaining and interesting speech. I did not know that he had brought down the USSR, that single-handedly he had brought down Communism in our time, but I very much enjoyed the speech and what has been a remarkably durable career. I also first stood in 1987, in the double dissolution election. I am very glad I did not get elected; I was too young. Julian has had a remarkable period in the parliament and he has an interest in a whole range of issues that he has brought to our attention. I remarked the other night that one of the great privileges of being a senator is being able to bring public attention to and focus on an issue in a manner that may not have occurred if not for that senator's activities. Despite the stories of the bells et cetera, which are famous, I think Julian McGauran has a very proud record in terms of East Timor. Too many people were prepared to be apologists. Julian really campaigned strongly for the East Timorese people against the views of both political parties. It is to his enduring credit that he provided support for the struggle of the East Timorese. I think he was also one of the first to work to provide proper recognition for Vietnam vets. Again, that is to his great credit. While on most of the social issues he and I have never agreed, and will never agree I suspect, I have great respect for the role he has played in those causes. As I said, we have agreed to disagree on censorship, abortion and some of those issues. But I know they have always been views genuinely held. Despite the fact that Julian McGauran is very keen to roast us in the chamber and get into a very strong debate—and I am happy to return serve—it has always been done without any personal rancour. I think it is a credit to him too. It is interesting to have your career made by the DLP and then broken by the DLP. It will be a nice historical footnote, particularly for one who has done so much to encourage their growth over the years. I think Julian McGauran will go down in the record books as probably the worst whip seen in the parliament; we always thought while you were whipping we had a chance to win a vote whatever the numbers! You referred to the decision in relation to your obscene gesture, which was described as 'unseemly but not obscene'. The fact that you could not choose the right finger is a terrible indictment. That is mostly why we were upset at the time: that you could not give us the finger using the right finger! That was a particularly interesting episode. Julian, I think you have a lot to be proud of in your career. I particularly note your commitment to the East Timorese people as something where you campaigned when it was not popular, to your great credit. We wish you all the best for life after the Senate. After being in here so long you probably worry about whether there is life, but I am sure there is. I hope it goes well for you. To all three senators, congratulations on your contributions and we wish you all the best for your future.