Senator ABETZ (Special Minister of State) (6:08 PM) —This evening we farewell two Tasmanian Liberal senators and pay tribute to the great contribution that they have made to Senator Calvert's and my home state of Tasmania and to the nation. The Hon. Jocelyn Newman has a wealth of qualities which she freely contributed to our nation. To coin a phrase: she was a woman for all seasons. In her early days, she was Miss University. I understand that was at Melbourne University. She was a wife, mother, lawyer, women's shelter pioneer, farmer, tourist operator, senator, shadow minister and, of course, cabinet minister. Her qualities were manifold. They were strength, resilience, vision, energy and a sense of humour, together with a determination that was usually delivered with a withering frown and a few words. And, yes, I was a recipient of those frowns from time to time—of course, always well deserved.

It has been a privilege to observe all those qualities and work with this truly remarkable woman. I am sure she would not mind my also saying that she is a remarkable lady. She has advanced the cause of women in public life considerably. She treasured her role as wife, mother and grandmother, as witnessed by the Christmas cards that she sent out. She would speak from time to time of her role as an Army wife when husband Kevin was away and times were uncertain. But she always revelled in that role of being mother and wife and combined it superbly with her public life. She saw no conflict and she combined the roles very admirably.

The Newman team of Kevin and Jocelyn made a great contribution. They were nearly a tag team. Shortly after Kevin Newman retired from the House of Representatives representing the seat of Bass, Jocelyn Newman became Senator Newman representing Tasmania. It is interesting to note that, when Kevin Newman was a member and minister of the newly formed Fraser Liberal government, Tasmania benefited from the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, a scheme that has done a lot for employment in my home state. When Senator Newman became a cabinet minister when the Howard government was elected, we got the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme, which has also done a lot for employment in my home state of Tasmania. Together, they basically devoted a quarter of a century to public life in this country. They supported each other and they made a great contribution. Others have mentioned Senator Newman's contribution to welfare reform. I note it and agree with the comments that my colleagues have made in that regard. Jocelyn Newman will be sorely missed by all of us.

Let me turn to my colleague for a few more days, Senator the Hon. Brian Gibson. How do you describe him? Talented, considered and understated. He is a classic case of sacrifice to be of service to the nation. So often we hear in the popular media that those of us who try to make a contribution in this place do it for the purpose of feathering our own nests. Senator Gibson made a sacrifice. I am sure that his wife Pauline, whom I recognise in the gallery, would acknowledge that he made a sacrifice personally—of which she undoubtedly bore some brunt— but also financially. There is no doubt that Senator Gibson could have continued in the private sector, commanding a lot greater income than he received as a senator, but he made the sacrifice willingly because he wanted to make a contribution to this nation.

As has been commented on by others, he was highly regarded by the business community. Brian championed industry and business needs, not because of some belief in the selfish pursuit of wealth but because of the social benefits that could be derived from sound businesses delivering employment and economic benefits to the community at large. Most people would not know of Senator Gibson's involvement with St Vincent de Paul and that he helped those in need in the city of Hobart by handing out soup and food at Louis's food van in the evenings. He has an undoubted business talent combined greatly with that willingness to go out and serve the community in the way that St Vincent de Paul does so well.

Senator Gibson's other areas of expertise were—when I say `were' I apologise; still are and, I am sure, will remain—forestry, resource management, manufacturing, corporate law reform and tax reform. They are all areas in which he made substantial contributions while in this chamber. Others have already mentioned, and I simply wish to note, the very important role he played as chairman of the tax reform task force, which was so well chaired and which helped deliver so many of the benefits that we as a nation now enjoy under the new tax system. I think it would have been very pleasing for Senator Gibson to see not only the new tax system implemented but also the government that introduced it being re-elected while a very negative scare campaign was run against it.

Senator Gibson was a very talented parliamentary secretary whose short tenure, unfortunately, reminds us of the vagaries of politics. What happened to Senator Gibson was not deserved and, unfortunately, it is those sorts of events that dissuade a lot of good people from entering politics. I remembered the incident, and I recalled that I made some comments at the time. I know that it is bad form to quote yourself, but I said it at the time and I still mean it now, some 5½ years later:

The nation of Australia is, in fact, the poorer for that quite silly pursuit of Senator Gibson in relation to those matters. Nevertheless, Senator Gibson made a fantastic contribution during that term as parliamentary secretary, as a chair of committees in this place and through his general contributions.

I trust that Senator Gibson's talents will still be available to Tasmania and Australia, to public life and, indeed, to the Liberal Party. Senator Gibson's address-in-reply speech, like all his speeches, was yet again considered and measured, and highlighted some very real policy issues that need addressing.

The Hon. Jocelyn Newman and Senator the Hon. Brian Gibson leave this place and public life with the warm affection of their colleagues, the Liberal Party, and the Tasmanian and Australian people. I trust that they will enjoy their deserved retirement, but I expect them both to pop up again in service to this nation. On a personal note, Michelle and I wish them both good health and enjoyment of their lovely families. God bless. (Time expired)