Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hailed retiring Senator Pat Dodson as “a great Yawuru man, a wonderful Australian, and an excellent human being”.
In a statement, Albanese said the outgoing Western Australian senator – who cited the impact of his recovery from cancer in his announcement just before – filled him “with sadness, but also with gratitude”.
Pat Dodson with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.Credit: James Brickwood
Here is an excerpt of Albanese’s statement about Dodson:
You would gladly follow him into battle yet he’s made it his life’s work to make peace. From the moment he entered Parliament, he has made this place a better one.
As a boy, he hid in the long grass while the police and welfare officers took his mates.
Yet despite what must have been such a traumatic experience as a child, he grew into the Father of Reconciliation – a figure of grace, dignity and inspiration.
The statement later continues:
Patrick is such a generous man. Through seven years [as Senator] he has gifted every member of our Caucus his wisdom, his courage, his fearless conviction and his eternal good humour.
Through the powerful example of his own life, he has given so many of us the gift of a greater sense of perspective.
There are few more reassuring sights in Parliament House than seeing Patrick and his hat coming down a corridor towards you.
When you’re in Pat’s presence you often laugh, you always learn and you feel yourself stand taller.
On behalf of the Labor family he gained when he became a Senator for Western Australia, I wish Pat nothing but the very best as he focuses on his own health.
He leaves Parliament with our thanks, and with our love.