PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION

Senator McKENZIE (Victoria—Leader of the Nationals in the Senate) (17:50): I rise as the leader of the National Party in the Senate to associate our party with, obviously, the words of Senator Cash, but also of Senator Wong and Senator Gallagher, about Jonno Duniam. Jonno, your grandmother Iris had a good turn of phrase; luckily, I know the Latin: factis, non verbis—school mottos come in handy!—which is, 'tis by deeds, not by words.

I think that is something she, your family and you have lived by. You have lived your values, as a conservative, as a man of faith and as a man of your word, which is so important in leadership. I'm glad I wasn't the first one to mention it, but Senator Wong let the cat out of the bag.

When you did arrive here, a while ago, you were described as the Hugh Grant of the Senate—and yes, it was your hair in the main, but there were other attributes! So, on that, Penny and I agree—probably for the first time in a couple of years. Veteran Jonno is leaving at 43, after a quarter of a century of service in politics.

You're the dealmaker, as Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate. Most of his work happened out of sight. He was very good at it, because people on all sides trusted his word.

I think, when people reflect on your service here, your most used phrase on Hansard will be: 'I rise to make a one-minute statement'! I tell you what: they were tough days, when we had to rise to make a one-minute statement, when we were in government, to explain why we, with the government, were voting a certain way. They were tough days to be a conservative in the coalition, I can tell you.

He's charm personified—an absolute charmer. The banter between Jonno, Carol Brown, Helen Polley and, before, Catryna Bilyk, was absolutely priceless. They were eating out of the palm of his hand— Senator McKENZIE: That's right!

He's principled, serious and wickedly funny. These qualities rarely come together in one person in this building, but, Jonno, in you, they definitely did. As a fellow conservative, I think most times we absolutely had each other's back.

When we disagreed, knowing that you understood where I had to come from was very, very special. I particularly remember our on-floor discussions during the hate law speeches this year, and I really appreciated those conversations. You're a home and family man.

A true conservative, you love your family, you love your community and you love your country, in that order. And, Jonno, you are living your values, through this decision, as you have lived your values your entire life. You've served the Nationals—and I hope we were your most fabulous senior ministers—particularly as to fisheries and forestry.

You did accomplish much in those portfolios, not just for Tasmania but for our country, and I really appreciate it. I'm very excited for you that you're actually escaping the asylum! I know that Hugo, Harry and Spencer will absolutely enjoy your company.

I hope that you get to read Rod Dreher, and I know we discussed Live Not by Lies recently and that whole notion of how we can put the 'serve' back into conservatism, and I think it's something that you, individually, have tried to do. I've been very proud to work with you on the migration taskforce, and I think we've really landed in a place that puts conservative values and our nation's future firmly at the front and centre.

So thank you. I just want to wish you all the very, very best. To Anisa: enjoy.

You're going to have a fabulous time.