Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I would like to associate the Senators on the Independent benches with the words which have been said by my colleagues about the retirement of Mr. Ray Hesse. I wish to express our gratitude to Ray for many years of diligent and polite service in these Houses. We have been impressed on many occasions by the even-handed manner in which he deals with people, regardless of whether they are mere schoolchildren or foreign dignitaries. He carries himself with the authority that is required of him in his position. He has represented us very well on many occasions. When I had the pleasure of meeting Ray Hesse and his daughter in other circumstances recently, I was impressed by him and his family. I know that he enjoys the success his family has achieved, as he is always happy to discuss such matters and to bring us up to date with developments.

We have always found Ray Hesse to be approachable and supportive. He has always been diplomatic when he has had to deal with difficulties over the years. Many of us have lost our cool, got a bit above ourselves or pushed things to the limit in that time. In such circumstances, Ray Hesse has always behaved in the manner that has been required of him in the discharge of his responsibilities as an usher of the Houses. None of us was surprised when he continued to act in a similar manner when he adopted additional duties in recent times. We wish him well in his retirement. We thank him again for the support he has given us, our visitors and other people who have come to this House over many years.