PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION

Senator PATERSON (Victoria) (18:10): I have been waging a long campaign. First, it was to try to convince Jonno to stay. And second, when it appeared that was not going to succeed, it was to at least to delay his departure as long as possible.

I accept defeat tonight. I realise, having delivered a valedictory speech, that's probably the end of the road, although I think we did string a few extra weeks and months out of you, which I'm grateful for. I didn't even realise I had a secret collaboration with the manager of government business in running such a campaign, but our loss is your family's gain.

To Anisa and the boys: you have won. Well done. It's well deserved because you paid the price that all families pay in this business, and you deserve nothing more than time with your Jonno—as much as we've enjoyed our time with him.

Jonno is doing this for the very best reason—the only reason any of us should ever leave this place, which is to go and be with our families. We did come in together, along with Jane, in 2016, and Jonno and I have been very close in that time—so close that at times we have been confused for one another. Most memorably, as a humble, new, young backbencher, it was by our own prime minister who at times would refer to me as 'Jonno' and refer to him as 'James'.

I think he probably just regarded us as two right-wing senators from southern states who were, frankly, pretty annoying and surplus to requirements. But it's an honour to be confused with such a consummate political professional. I think that is the way that Jonno will be remembered in his time here.

He's mastered every single brief he has been given. I'm surprised to hear him concede he's ever made an error. I can't remember one.

There's no-one who knows this chamber better than Jonno. There's no-one who can better navigate it, who can better understand its rhythms, its powers and its sentiments and wield that to effect for our cause. He has promised me, because he is so passionate about this chamber, that he will be a regular visitor in the future and that he will sit in the visitor's gallery to be acknowledged by the President, for all of us to look up at him and remember when he was down here with us, because I know he will not be able to get this out of his system.

But, in all seriousness, Jonno, I really can't wait to see what you do next. Whatever you do, you'll make a big impact. Whoever is lucky enough to employ you after this time will be gaining great insight, great wisdom, great perspective and, most importantly, great character.

You have always conducted yourself in this place in a way that you can be proud of, that your family can be proud of and that is true to your values. You should be very proud of that, mate.