The President of the Senate, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, has announced his decision to retire from the Senate.
Senator Ryan has been a close friend and colleague for over 14 years. Scott and I were sworn in as Senators together on 1 July 2008 after being elected in the 2007 election. I will miss his wisdom, advice and friendship.
Senator Ryan has been an outstanding President of the Senate. He has truly earned the respect of Senators on all sides of politics since being elected as President in 2017.
He has been able to serve so well in that challenging role because of his sound temperament, solid intellect and sense of humour.
He has an abiding respect for the Senate as an institution and has worked hard to ensure the smooth operations of the Chamber.
As the Presiding Officer of the Senate, Senator Ryan should also be recognised for the work he has done during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Tony Smith MP, worked together to ensure the Parliament was able to operate freely despite the complex challenges the pandemic posed.
Before being elected President, Scott distinguished himself as the Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Special Minister of State and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister.
I wish him, his wife Helen and their children all the very best for the future.
