Senator Eric Abetz

Tasmanian Liberal Senator and Deputy Opposition Leader Senator Eric Abetz has been elected unopposed by his Liberal colleagues to replace outgoing Liberal Senate Leader Nick Minchin at a Party room meeting held in Canberra today.

Nick Minchin’s decision to retire was regretted but understood by all his colleagues.

As I said earlier this year following Nick’s announcement to retire from politics:

Senator Minchin’s contribution to Australian public life, South Australia and the cause of Liberalism has been nothing short of inspirational.

He provided discipline, rigour and statesmanship to the issues of the day.

His first major role was to fix up Labor’s native title mess. He did this with sensitivity and determination. He cut through the impractical consequences of political correctness gone mad and delivered a work able compromise through the provision of indigenous Land use Agreements.

His professionalism was highlighted by his capacity to switch from Government Leader to opposition Leader in the Senate so smoothly allowing us to move from defeated Government to a viable alternate Government.

I acknowledge I have very large shoes to fill and I am delighted Nick will continue in the Senate until July 2011.

The support of my colleagues (unopposed) is very reassuring as I take on the task of Senate Opposition Leader.

I am indebted to my family, the State division of the Liberal Party in Tasmania and the people of Tasmania whose support I greatly cherish.

Without their support the kid who came to Australia on an assisted passage, was educated through the State school system would not be the first leader of a, political party, in either house, to come from a non English speaking background.

This is a wonderful reflection of the openness of Australian society and the Liberal Party.

It is exciting to put Tasmania on the map in this way, only two other Tasmanians have been leader of their Party (major) in the 100 plus year history of the Senate.¹

The quality of the Tasmanian Liberal Senate team is highlighted by the fact we have all been elected to, or hold important positions.

Labor, whilst having twice as many representatives has one junior Shadow Minister and a disendorsed Whip!

The Opposition will continue to ensure that all legislation is appropriately scrutinised and considered.

As before all issues will be treated on a case by case basis with one simple test, - “Is it in Australia’s best interests”?

Clearly the clumsy bureaucratic big new tax on everything that was allegedly, “the greatest moral challenge of our time”  failed that test and failed it comprehensively, as did Mr Rudd’s attempt to break his private health insurance rebate policy promise.

The role of the Senate is vital as the States’ House and House of Review in our parliamentary system of checks and balances.

When the Senate resumes I will be moving for the release of the costings behind the Government’s response to the Henry Review to be made public.

I am delighted my colleague Senator George Brandis has been elected as the Deputy Opposition leader in the Senate.

¹ Senator Denham Henty   http://www.servinghistory.com/topics/Denham_Henty
   Senator Ken Wriedt,   http://www.servinghistory.com/topics/Ken_Wriedt