FED:Senators thank departing Coonan

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2011
FED:Senators thank departing Coonan

CANBERRA, Aug 22 AAP - Members on both sides of politics have thanked departing senator
Helen Coonan for her contribution to the nation.

Senator Coonan was elected to the upper house in 1996 and went on to become a cabinet
minister and deputy leader of the Howard government in the Senate.

Her resignation from the upper house, due to a family illness, is effective from August 23.

Victorian Senator Helen Kroger thanked Senator Coonan for her "enormous contribution"

to the coalition and to Australia.

"You have served this Senate and those in NSW with enormous distinction," Senator Kroger
told the chamber on Monday.

"You have been a wonderful mentor for many of us; you have been very generous in sharing
your knowledge, experience and great advice."

Senator Coonan served on the government benches - as revenue minister, assistant treasurer
and communications minister - until the Howard government lost office in November 2007.

Labor Sports Minister Mark Arbib said his fellow NSW senator had served the people
of the state well while dealing with demanding portfolios as minister.

"You have had a number of difficult and challenging portfolios and you have always
put the interests of the government and the country first," Senator Arbib said.

Senator Coonan expressed her gratitude to the upper house.

"It is with great regret that I make my decision," she said.

"But I do thank the senate very much and wish everybody well for the future."

It's been reported that John Howard's former chief-of-staff Arthur Sinodinos could
take her place.

Senator Coonan's seat in the Senate will go to a candidate selected by the NSW Liberal Party.

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KEYWORD: COONAN

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