Senator COONEY (3.33 p.m.) —I will say a few words about what I think is a most remarkable foray into this area. I do not know what Senator Gareth Evans will or will not do in years to come. However, I think this can be said about Senator Evans: he has been one of this country's great foreign ministers.

  One of this country's great glories is the part it played in bringing peace to Cambodia; Senator Evans was one of the central figures in doing that. Senator Evans, whom I have known for many years now—and I do not think he has always regarded me as perhaps the greatest-

Senator Brownhill —Is this a reference, Barney?

Senator COONEY —Yes, it is a reference—a reference that Senator Evans very much deserves. I will tell Senator Brownhill why Senator Evans deserves it. He has served this country for 10 years in many portfolios with great distinction. He has given glory to this country in international forums. He has governed this country with others—

Senator Brownhill —Ha, ha!

Senator COONEY —Senator Brownhill laughs. To laugh is not worthy of Senator Brownhill; he is not usually given to sniggering when a man of the capacity of Senator Evans is being spoken about.

  As I said, I do not know what Senator Evans is going to do, but if he were on the High Court, he would hold that position without any concern at all; he has the intellectual capacity and the experience. In fact, I would say that the High Court needs somebody like Senator Evans.

Senator Ian Macdonald —Get real, Barney!

Senator COONEY —Senator Ian Macdonald laughs. That indicates what this is all about. Those opposite have heard some sort of rumour that he might be going to the High Court and they have looked up his record and said, `He said something nasty about Mr Ellicott some years ago'. I do not know Mr Ellicott either.

Senator Ian Macdonald —Petty and mean.

Senator COONEY —Senator Ian Macdonald says it was petty and mean. Senator Macdonald has been equally mean with the sorts of things that he has said about Senator Evans here today. He cannot have it both ways. He cannot sit back and say that whatever was said years ago about Mr Ellicott is mean and then do the same sort of thing to the man in the chamber here today. By saying what was said about Mr Ellicott at that point in time, Senator Macdonald condemns himself.

  I think it is outrageous that Senator Evans should be asked what he is going to do. He should not be compelled to state now what he is going to do in the future. It is quite outrageous. We could ask Senator Macdonald: will he give an undertaking not to be a minister? Will he give an undertaking not to enter private business? Will he give an undertaking not to take a foreign position in years to come on behalf of this country? There are some very outstanding people on that side of the chamber who could fill those positions very well, and if they did, I would be the first person to say that they should, in the same way that there are people on this side of the chamber who could fill all sorts of positions and they should be accepted on that basis.

  My advice to Senator Evans is not to say a thing. Whatever he says is interpreted the wrong way. He has denied what those opposite have put to him as being of any immediate consequence again and again, yet the attack will go on and on create speculation. I simply conclude by saying that Senator Gareth Evans is a great man—and I use that expression advisedly—and should not comment any further on this matter. It should be closed.