Senator FAULKNER (3:33 PM) —On behalf of the opposition I say to Senator Sue West that we are also delighted that she has received the unanimous endorsement of the Senate as Deputy President and Chairman of Committees. We believe that she has been a very competent, hardworking and even-handed Chairman of Committees. The fact that she has been re-elected today unanimously by this chamber is a demonstration of her capacity.

It is the case, as you would be only too well aware, Madam President, that in this chamber there are often very complex committee stage debates. I believe that in the time she has been Chairman of Committees Senator West has demonstrated a great capacity to handle those complex debates with competence and with the necessary good humour that is required from time to time. We certainly welcome your reappointment, Sue. On behalf of opposition senators, I wish you well for the three years ahead.