The PRESIDENT (12:31): I inform the Senate that Senator Arbib resigned his place as a senator for the state of New South Wales on 5 March 2012. Pursuant to the provisions of section 21 of the Constitution, the Governor of New South Wales was notified of the vacancy in the representation of that state caused by the resignation. I table the letter of resignation and a copy of the letter to the Governor of New South Wales.

I have received, through the Governor-General, from the Governor of New South Wales, a copy of the certificate of the choice by the Houses of the Legislature of New South Wales of Mr Robert John Carr to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Mark Arbib. I table the document.