Senator FIELDING (Leader of the Family First Party) (6:25 PM) —by leave—Before getting to this red chamber, I, like many Australians, probably saw the Democrats through Don Chipp, and I had the privilege of getting to know him. But, until I got here, Andrew, I really did not understand how much work goes into getting work done around here. From what I have seen, you have served here extremely well, and the Senate should be thankful to you, the parliament should be thankful to you and all Australians should be thankful for the work that you have done tirelessly here.

You were probably thrilled, and I was thrilled for you, to see that an amendment that you had put up so many times in this place—an amendment on merits based appointments—yesterday, historically, got through. You got one through! The coalition supported you, and I am hoping that that was because, out of their graciousness, they really wanted to make sure that you went out seeing that achieved on at least one piece of legislation. Credit to you for sticking to it and consistently putting that amendment forward. I think that speaks of the tenacity that you have had in tirelessly continuing to believe in what you are on about. It was a credit to you to see that win yesterday.

As I as saying before, the Senate is grateful, the parliament is definitely grateful and Australia is grateful for your work. I wish you and your family very well in your next endeavours.