I thank Senators Jonathon Duniam and Wendy Askew for their dedicated service to Tasmania, the Liberal Party, and our nation.
Jonno has made an enormous contribution throughout his time in the Senate and has been a valued colleague and friend to many of us. Most recently, he has served with distinction as Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship, bringing a strong commitment to an immigration system that serves Australia's national interest, protects our borders and maintains public confidence in our migration program.
He has also been a tireless advocate for regional communities through his work across the environment, forestry and fisheries portfolios, always standing up for Tasmania's industries, jobs and way of life.
Intelligent, articulate and always across his brief, Jonno is someone whose departure from the Parliament is a great loss to the Liberal Party and the to the service of Australians and the national interest. Of course, public service comes with significant personal sacrifices, and family must always come first. I thank Jonno for his service and wish him, his wife Anisa and their three sons every success and happiness for the future.
I also want to acknowledge Senator Wendy Askew for her outstanding contribution to the Parliament and the Liberal Party.
Wendy has served with professionalism, integrity and grace throughout her parliamentary career. In particular, I thank her for her service as Opposition Whip in the Senate, a role that requires dedication, sound judgement and a deep commitment to the effective functioning of our parliamentary team.
She has been a steady source of support and encouragement to many colleagues, and her contribution in that role has been significant. She leaves with the respect, gratitude and genuine affection of those who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
Tasmania has been exceptionally well served by both Jonno and Wendy. Their contributions have strengthened our Party, our Parliament and the communities they have represented.
On behalf of the Coalition, I thank them for their service and wish them and their families all the very best for the next chapter.
