PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION

Senator NAMPIJINPA PRICE (Northern Territory) (18:31): I'm sorry, I couldn't let you go just yet—and I really wanted to let you go, for you to be able to spend time with your family and for us all to celebrate you back in your office. I really wanted to say a couple of brief words, because you are incredible—you are a very special person to this entire place, to our colleagues throughout the coalition, but, clearly, right across the board, throughout the crossbench and the government as well.

I think I remember the first time I ever met you. We were gathered at a supporters event, which was here in Canberra, back before I was in fact elected, and I do recall seeing how very well kept you were, with every piece of hair perfectly in place, and I probably thought, 'Oh, this bloke—does he concentrate on his job, or is he more concerned about where his hair is sitting?' But I very soon found out that you are an incredible representative, not just for Tasmanians but for all Australians, in the effort and the professionalism and the way you carry yourself, and not only through your work but in the way you support all of us that surround you, and have especially in recent times.

I've heard from staff throughout the building just what a wonderful, friendly character and a helpful person you are to anybody who reaches out to you. I think it only fitting, given that, that I'm going to have to now claim you as a brother, the Warlpiri way, which means that, when you leave to go back to Tasmania, you will have to leave also with a skin name.

Therefore, being a Nampijinpa, I would like to make you a Jampijinpa, which makes you my brother. Anisa and the boys now have skin names as well, as a result. I think it only fitting for you to know that, while I know we all regard you as family, you've got a whole Warlpiri tribe you're now related to in Central Australia.

So make sure that you let me know if you're ever passing through, because, if they know that you're a Jampijinpa, you also become a resource for them too, so I've got to make sure that you're well looked after and are well aware, if you're there, to keep an eye out for the Warlpiri mob. I really want to thank you, Jonno. You truly have been like family to us all, and an incredible professional, and someone that those of us who came after you look up to as someone who we aspire to be in this place.

So thank you.