Some friendly goodbyes
The Senate is currently saying goodbye to those who will not return for the next sitting. In general, these speeches plod along — they’re touching, but when you hear them one after the other it gets a bit repetitive.
Occasionally, though, someone breaks the mould. Senator Geoff Buckland gave a terrific speech last night:
Senator BUCKLAND — Senator Harris came in on the back of the Pauline Hanson phenomenon and, as I recall, by default. Hopefully the evils of Hansonism have gone forever. But I would just say that I wish Len well for the future. Senator Lees suffered the outcome of an electoral war largely of her own making. Let history be the judge. I wish her well with her book. Senator Cherry, as we know, has a life after the Senate. I want to wish him well in the next stage of his life. I have a feeling he will be knocking on the doors of politicians for some time to come.
Senator Crossin — You might be one of his constitutents!
Senator BUCKLAND — No, I will not be, Senator Crossin — I can assure you that I have some principles! I say that with deference to you, Acting Deputy President Cherry.
If everyone got up and told us what they really thought, these speeches would be far more interesting.
Yes, a dark time for us all… Fortunately I will not be in Australia during the changeover.
Just in: Sleazeby mentions he wants Lindsay Tanner back in the front bench in a looming reshuffle! Well he’s had months to mull over the gollum-like state of the federal ministry, and perhaps it’s taken a diabolical poll to prod him into the merest millimetre of action.
Not until a meteorite destroys the Liberal caucus room will Labor have a chance of getting back into power.
It wasn’t a crap poll, Max, it was just spun by the Government.
But Rob - so many members of the WA ALP (with the possible exceptions of Jim McKiernan & Jann McFarlane) enjoyed this contribution from your boss.
The question is - is she telling us what she really thinks . . . ?
“Senator WEBBER- Sue* has brought a great deal of commonsense and commitment to the processes of this place. In that way she reminds me a lot of my predecessor, Jim McKiernan. Her commitment to the committee process, to reforming bad pieces of legislation and to making this place relevant to the larger community out there has been a sight to behold. Her commitment to her party is enormous. In fact, although she decided to retire, the commitment she showed to her party by running a sterling winning campaign at the last election is something I am sure everyone over there is grateful for. It was pleasing to see Michael Keenan* here earlier.”
For the uninitiated:
* Senator Sue Knowles is a rabidly right-wing WA Liberal - no friend of the workers
* Michael Keenan is the Liberal member for the seat of Stirling, formerly held by the Broad Left’s Jann McFarlane
I don’t speak for my boss on this blog, but I will point out that the tradition is to say nice things about everyone. It’s also worth noting that Sue Knowles was mentioned by many Labor Senators, because she is apparently very friendly in committees, etc, and she is respected for the work she has done to advance women in the Liberal Party.
By the way, it would be nice if you put your name to your factional bitching in future.
Sorry but it wouldn’t be factional bitching if it was done openly & transparently now would it! Just keeping up party traditions & having a bit of fun innit. As I’m sure was Sen Webber. :)
And, erm, what did Michael Keenan do to deserve the plaudits?
I think (but am not sure) Ruth was referring to his presence during Knowles’ valedictory speech. It is nice that people remember those who have helped them.
Actually, the valedictories are at times a really touching reminder that cross-party friendships are possible. At other times you want to retch and wish we’d give the bastards a farewell verbal kicking — as Bucky did, with great humour.
Er… I have witnessed first hand Sen. Knowles’ “friendly” behavior in Committees. Most notably at the Medicare Inquiry in Perth, where community GPs were giving evidence on the effect of the destruction of Medicare and the wipe out of bulk billing on the working poor (yes they do exist).
She was overbearing, bullying, aggressive and rude to witnesses…. or maybe that was her being friendly.
Feel free to raise that with her. She’s still a Senator until next Thursday.
Tradition you say? Well if you have something nice to say about evil, right wing torys like SSK….keep it to yourself!