On behalf of his colleagues and the entire labour movement, I thank Stephen Conroy for his tireless contribution to our party and the nation. 

In his twenty years as a Senator, Stephen has relished every challenge put to him: as a Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet Minister, as Leader and Deputy Leader in the Senate. 

In particular, his vision for a first-rate, fibre National Broadband Network for Australia speaks for his deeply-held passion for using technology to grow our economy and serve the interests of working people.   

As a firm believer in accountability and the public interest, Stephen has been a formidable presence on both sides of the Estimates table. Public servants and parliamentarians alike quickly learned to respect Stephen’s forensic skills and forthright style. 

And of course, no-one has taken parliamentary soccer more seriously, or enjoyed scoring goals against the press gallery more. 

All our families make tremendous sacrifices so we can enjoy the privilege of serving in the parliament. I have spoken to Stephen and he told me he has decided it is time to put his wife and daughter who he loves so much first, I admire and respect his decision. 

Stephen is one of my oldest friends. He’s been a fearless provider of good advice. 

He is a fiercely loyal champion of the Labor party, who has never lacked the courage to do things his own way.   

Stephen will be greatly missed by our Caucus – but we are proud to wish him every happiness with the next phase of his life. 

He goes with my goodwill, my best wishes and my thanks for his service. 

FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2016