Retirement of Senator The Honourable Marise Payne
Today, the Hon Marise Payne has announced
that she will retire from the Senate on 30 September.
I take this
opportunity to thank Marise for her principled and commendable service to the
people of New South Wales and all Australians over 26 years.
In her maiden
speech, Marise said “I began my political life with the view that as a young
Australian I had a responsibility to become involved; to make a contribution if
I wished to have a say in the future of my country.”
Marise has made a
grand contribution to our nation and shaped it for the better.
In her many years of
service, Marise has steered economic, social and national security policy
development.
Most notably, as the
Minister for Defence and later the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marise helped
guide our nation through a period of significant change in our strategic
environment which put a greater emphasis on defence deterrence and diplomacy
than any time since the end of the Second World War.
When Marise was the
Minister for Foreign Affairs, I was honoured to work with her as the Minister
for Defence to establish the AUKUS partnership.
Marise’s diplomatic
engagement ensured our bilateral and multilateral relationships were nurtured
and strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel was prohibited. Our
Alliance with the United States, Quad partnership and engagement with our Pacific
neighbours is in such a strong position today thanks to Marise’s commitment and
hard work in the most testing and difficult of circumstances.
I also want to
acknowledge Marise’s role as the Minister for Women. Marise has been
instrumental in supporting women across Australia – especially in the areas of
economic security and safety – and mentoring young women into leadership
positions within the Liberal Party.
Testimony to her
experience, achievements and gravitas, I appointed Marise to the position of
Shadow Cabinet Secretary. Her work and leadership in that role has been admired
across our party room.
For more than 20
years, Marise has not only been a wonderful colleague, she has also been a dear
friend – someone who engages in the battle of ideas in the great Liberal Party
tradition.
I wish Marise a
wonderful retirement. And I know that in the next phase of her career, she will
continue to do brilliant and bold things for our nation in the best interests
of the Australian people.