PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION

Senator DUNIAM (Tasmania—Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) (18:07): It is an honour to be able to make a brief contribution, along with a couple of other coalition senators, to thank Peter Whish-Wilson for what he has done for the people of Tasmania as a Greens senator in this place. It is safe to say that we haven't always agreed on a lot of issues and often find ourselves on different sides of the chamber, but, as Senator Waters said just a little earlier on, the humanity with which you have discharged your duties in this place, the respectful nature of the way in which you've been able to find a way to disagree with us and others—the government, sometimes—I think is a credit to you.

I think the way others have summarised—indeed, your own valedictory statement outline your approach to the way you've been a senator for your state and a warrior for your cause—is a testament to you. While there were areas of disagreement, there is nothing quite like being a Tasmanian to unite people who have vastly different views. I know that you and Senator McKim and others right across the political spectrum have always found a way to find common cause when it comes to matters of Tasmania.

I particularly want to point out your contributions when it comes to matters of Antarctic policy. As a co-convener of the Parliamentary Antarctic Alliance, your leadership there, your passion for the subject matter, your detailed knowledge of what was going on when it came to matters of Antarctic science and your personal relationships with experts in the field were things I was always in awe of.

I know that the parliament will be poorer for losing that, but I'm sure you're going to give your blessing to one of your colleagues to carry on in your stead. That was important work, and, as Tasmanians, we do have to keep the fight up to ensure that we remain the gateway to Antarctica for Australia's Antarctic science program. I am grateful for the work you did there.

You're nothing if not passionate, you're nothing if not consistent, and you're nothing if not a warrior for your cause. So I'm grateful for the contribution you've made and the way you've done it, and I thank you for your service to the people of Tasmania. We can say to your family now, 'You can have him back.'