PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION

Senator HENDERSON (Victoria) (18:29): I just want to join with all senators in the chamber to associate myself with the wonderful remarks about a truly magnificent man. I will also say that I joined the campaign to keep you here longer. We are going to miss you enormously.

I think one of the things for me personally, Jonno, is that we've all had our ups and downs in this place, and you've been a magnificent comfort. You've been a magnificent person to seek counsel from. You've been a very calm person to deal with in the rough times.

And you've always kept your sense of humour. I particularly wanted to say—and so many wonderful things have been said about you—it's a really gutsy decision you've made, because you are at the height of achieving so much as a senator. Clearly, you had further to run in this place.

I think there was a pretty good chance you may well have been leader one of these days. But you've made the decision to put your priorities with your family, at home, and to spend the next part of your life with Anisa and your boys, and that's a very commendable decision that you've made. Some stay too long in this place.

I just want to say that, whatever you decide to do—whatever your ventures are—you will do magnificently. You are someone of great integrity. You've got so much to give.

I'm really excited about what the next phase of your life has, and for all of us to share. I really look forward to keeping the friendship. Thank you.