Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Federal election

Mr FINN (Western Metropolitan) (12:38): Recent federal election results gave us reason both to be sad and to celebrate. I was deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Eric Abetz down in Tasmania, Senator Amanda Stoker in Queensland and Senator Greg Mirabella here in Victoria. All were outstanding senators, and their presence will be missed in the national Parliament; there are no two ways about that.

On the plus side, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was elected to the Senate, and this is something I am absolutely delighted about. Jacinta is a delightful person, intelligent, visionary and just what Australia needs right at this point in time. Senator Price will represent not just Aboriginal communities but every Northern Territorian—well, that is to begin with anyway, because we know it is only a matter of time before her talents are utilised in a future coalition government ministry. Given news of the ratbaggery from the Greens over the past 24 hours, Senator Price’s contribution to the national Parliament will be welcomed by the overwhelming majority of Australians. I know that the contribution that Jacinta Price will make to Australia over the next maybe 20, 30 or perhaps 40 years is going to be something that will have to be seen to be believed. She will be an outstanding senator. I welcome her election, and I wish her all the very best for her time in Canberra. I am absolutely thrilled that she is going there.