Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I rise on behalf of the opposition to acknowledge the valedictory remarks of Senator the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO and to reflect on his career. At the outset, I express the regret of Senator Wong that she could not be here to deliver these remarks. She absolutely wanted to do that personally. I may lack Senator Wong's gravitas, but I'll give it my best shot anyway.

Senator Sinodinos has had a career spent substantially in public service. He was a Treasury officer, he served as chief of staff to Prime Minister John Howard for a decade, he has served as a senator since 2011 and he will serve as Australia's next ambassador to the United States of America. Public service is, indeed, a noble calling. Unlike our leader, Senator Wong, Senator Arthur Sinodinos was born in Australia. But, like many others in this place, they share a great pride in their multicultural heritage. That the son of a merchant mariner, who was also a lifelong member of the Seamen's Union of Australia, and a part-time seamstress, both of whom were Greek migrants, could take a seat in the Australian Senate says much about our country.

In his first speech, in 2011, Senator Sinodinos correctly identified the enabling power of education and its importance in ensuring that our children grow up with a global outlook. This remains as relevant as ever today. As a minister, Senator Sinodinos often actually answered the question. This, we believe, is an example that others can learn from. In 2014, after a typically unproductive series of exchanges with Senator Cormann, Senator Wong did make this point in an estimates hearing:

It was so much better when Senator Sinodinos was here. Notwithstanding the ICAC problem, as least we got questions up. Can we bring back Arthur—even if he is conflicted?

On another occasion, in 2015, Senator Wong asked:

Can we have Arthur Sinodinos back? It was more fun.

Senator Cormann had refused to answer that question too!

We know that Senator Sinodinos has confronted significant personal health challenges in recent times. It is a reminder to us all to keep our work and conflict here in perspective. It is a tribute to his determination and tenacity that he not only returned to the Senate but now prepares to undertake a new and demanding role.

Senator Sinodinos and Senator Wong also sat next to each other on the election-night panel on ABC television this year. It is fair to say that he probably had a more enjoyable night than she did! But Senator Wong—and she particularly wanted me to emphasise this point—would like to acknowledge and thank you, publicly, for the gracious way you conducted yourself that night, a difficult night for those of us in the Australian Labor Party. Many others would have been much quicker to gloat in victory—but Senator Sinodinos did not, reflecting much about his character.

Of course, Senator Sinodinos and Senator Wong have not had a completely deferential relationship. It would be accurate to say that, during the life of the Abbott government, Senator Sinodinos came under sustained attack from the opposition in connection with the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption. It was not always smooth sailing. In March 2014, the opposition spent the best part of a morning attempting to require Senator Sinodinos to make a statement to the chamber, only to have the motion fail. I'm confident that his colleagues are very grateful for the practice the opposition got in these circumstances, which has enabled us to refine our approach and achieve a greater degree of success on subsequent occasions with other ministers. Whilst the opposition will never shy away from applying appropriate parliamentary scrutiny where necessary, I'm sure Senator Sinodinos will be very happy if he is never again asked to remember anything to do with Australian Water Holdings.

Senator Sinodinos will take up leadership in one of our most significant and consequential overseas posts—our embassy in the United States of America. The relationship with the United States has been one of the central pillars of Australian foreign policy since the Second World War. The United States is one of Australia's closest friends and staunchest allies, and the enduring nature of the alliance between our countries reflects the fact that we have shared histories, interests and values—values like democracy and freedom, and respect for the rule of law. Both countries benefit from the relationship, which has succeeded and deepened over many decades under the leadership of both major parties in both countries. Senator Sinodinos will join a distinguished lineage of occupants of the post of ambassador which includes Richard Casey, Norman Makin, Andrew Peacock and Kim Beazley.

Of course, the closeness of our alliance does not mean that we will always agree with every aspect of American policy. One of the challenges Senator Sinodinos will face is communicating Australia's position respectfully but clearly when policies are introduced that we do not think are in Australia's best interests. Of critical importance for Senator Sinodinos will be developing, maintaining and strengthening relationships across different branches and levels of government. Whilst much of the public focus is on the presidency and our relations with the White House, this cannot be the sole point of connection. There is also vital cooperation on counterterrorism and defence. Often overlooked is the work our diplomats do to engage and build networks within the United States congress, which is critical if we are to advance crucial interests on matters such as trade and investment. So, too, are direct relationships at state level often bypassed in conversations about the alliance, yet there are great opportunities for Australia that can be harnessed through meaningful engagement at this level.

Senator Arthur Sinodinos has confronted political and personal adversity during his time as a senator. Throughout this, he was anchored by personal convictions, shaped by values, character and belief. Senator Wong reflected on the fact that he has been a worthy opponent and a respected colleague. The opposition thanks Senator Arthur Sinodinos for his service in this Senate, and wishes him well as the principal representative of Australia in the United States.