BRENDAN NELSON

 I pay tribute to Brendan Nelson for a long and successful Parliamentary career.  He is a man of great character and integrity.  I served with him in the Cabinet where he was a distinguished Minister for Education and also for Defence.  As Leader of the Opposition he was successful in two by-elections – Gippsland and Mayo.  In difficult circumstances he held the Rudd Government to account over rising prices and broken election promises.  The Liberal Party acknowledges his great contribution.

I wish Brendan, Gillian and their family every success in the next phase of their lives.