Simon Birmingham has been an outstanding Senator who has served his party, his state and his country with distinction for more than 17 years.
On the announcement of his retirement from the Parliament, I thank a thoroughly decent man for his commendable contributions to our nation from both the ranks of Government and Opposition.
The measure of Simon Birmingham is the high regard in which he is held across the political divide. His fierce intellect and calm demeanour have seen him engage in the battle of ideas in a manner that is persuasive, principled and respectful.
Simon has excelled in all the portfolios he has held as a Minister – from Education and Training, to Trade and Tourism, to Finance.
I am grateful to Simon for his significant contributions as the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs. Simon has been an unwavering friend of Ukraine as it has endured its darkest hours. He has stood steadfastly with Israel and been a voice of moral courage and clarity at a time when our ally has been treated by some as an adversary. And he has nurtured and cultivated relationships which are central to the endeavours of AUKUS. Simon understands that diplomacy alone cannot save the day – he appreciates that deterrence is a combination of effective diplomacy and defence capability. I have no doubt that Simon Birmingham would have made one of Australia’s finest Foreign Ministers.
In particular, I thank Simon for his leadership of the Coalition in the Senate where his skill as a negotiator and his eye for detail have markedly improved many pieces of legislation.
In his maiden speech in 2007, Simon spoke of ‘a desire to make a difference, a positive contribution, one that improves the lives of those living today and those of the generations to come.’ If that was the standard Simon set for himself, he has certainly gone above and beyond it.
Simon may be retiring from politics, but I am sure his service to our nation is not over. My best wishes to Simon, his wife Courtney, and his daughters, Matilda and Amelia.
28 November 2024