PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION

Senator CANAVAN (Queensland—Leader of the Nationals) (18:40): I heard Senator Ruston say earlier that everyone loves Jonno. I just want to clear up the record here: I hate Jonno Duniam. I hate him because he makes every other bloke look like they've got the fashion sense of Steve Urkel, they've never used a blow dryer in their life and they can barely use a comb.

You show us all up, mate! I want to say three things that I like about Jonno. I actually love Jonno and I'm going to miss you greatly.

Jonno, you have a very keen policy mind, and I've really valued your contributions to debate over the years, including in shadow cabinet these last few months. I was surprised when I got the news that you weren't continuing, because, in my mind, you are really just hitting your prime. One of the great sadnesses for me last year of losing the election was not having you as environment minister.

I think you would have made an excellent environment minister, with your practical approach and your ability to get on with stakeholders, which I certainly can't do in that space. Your good principles would have served this country really well. You did a great job in that portfolio.

As you and others have described, you did a remarkable job landing a comprehensive, robust immigration policy for our team in a very, very difficult area. I just hope you haven't left any booby traps for us, but I don't think so. The next thing I want to say that I like about you, Jonno, is your good humour.

Mate, I've never seen you without a smile on your face. I don't think you could do a resting bitch face. I don't think that's in the Jonno Duniam repertoire.

Particularly in these last few years, which have been tough for us, having your sunny presence has helped quite a lot, so we will miss that. Finally, I want to reflect on what a great family man you are. Your family's definitely winning out of this.

It's great to see your extended family up there. I share some commonality with you; my wife and I have four sons. They look like a lovely family.

I don't know if you've missed all my proclamations since I've been leader of the Nationals. I want more babies. We had four sons and then we got a daughter, so don't give up.

There is still hope. I hope you get a lot more time with your lovely family. We're going to miss you lots.

Thanks, Jonno.