Senator ALSTON (Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) (11:04 PM) —I move:

That the Senate do now adjourn.

It has been a momentous year for all sorts of reasons. The election result was one that I am sure many opposite did not expect. In fact, they were very confident that they would get the opposite result. They did not and they now consign themselves to three more years of hard labour.

I do want to pay tribute to my colleagues, particularly those in the Liberal and National parties—Senator Boswell in particular for his sterling leadership of the junior coalition partner. He was there shoulder to shoulder when he was needed. He did understand the real benefits for rural Australia in a number of the policies that we took into the last election and he was prepared to see it through. So I think he deserves a particular commendation.

I would also like to pay tribute to the work of Senator Hill, as the Leader of the Government in the Senate, and to you, Madam President, for the way you have conducted yourself under very difficult circumstances on many occasions from the likes of me and others. You have always managed to control proceedings in a manner that has ensured that people at the end of the day respect the chair and all that ought to be respected in this chamber.

I would also like to pay particular tribute to the work of the whip and the whip's clerk, Senator Calvert and Claire Dace, who is taking leave of absence—this is well earned and I hope that we will be seeing her back here in the not too distant future. I also pay tribute to Senator Coonan for her rapid ascension to a position of high eminence and her great enthusiasm and enjoyment for the role. We have certainly appreciated the work that she has carried out on our behalf.

I also pay tribute to the tremendous work of the Senate PLO, Gail Bansemer, and her assistant, Jacquie. They go beyond the call of duty, but nonetheless they are always there when needed. I would also like to thank the officials and the clerks, John Vander Wyk in particular, all Senate staff, the attendants, security, transport, Hansard and Library officers—all of whom ensure the smooth running of the Senate.

I simply conclude by hoping that the Christmas season will enable all of us to have a well-earned rest, to reflect on what might have been and what is ahead of us in the year to come. I trust that those on the other side of the chamber will come back to this Senate chamber refreshed, aware of the errors of their ways and prepared to be constructive and embrace sensible government policy. If that is the case, then we will not be having any more late night sittings. We will simply be able to get on with delivering more good government for Australia. Merry Christmas to all.