Retirement of Senator Robert Ray
Friday, 2 May 2008
The Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today thanked Senator Robert Ray for his contribution to the Federal Parliament.
Senator Ray announced his retirement from the Australian Senate today, effective Monday May 5, after 27 years in Federal politics.
'Senator Ray made a significant contribution to the success of the Hawke and Keating Governments and made a lasting impact as Minister for Defence and Minister for Immigration,' Senator Evans said.
'In Opposition, Robert played a leading role in Senate Estimates and was highly successful at holding the Howard Government to account.
'Less well known is Robert's invaluable contribution as mentor and adviser to new Labor Senators and his advice and support for Labor frontbenchers.
'As one of the most influential figures of the ALP in the lat 30 years his contribution to the Party has been enormous.
'On a personal note, in my role as Senate Leader I have been grateful for his support and advice.
'Robert's contribution to the Parliament and the Labor Party will be greatly missed and we wish him well in the next phase of his life.'
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08042.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST