Today Nick Sherry has announced he will retire from Parliament, after almost 22 years as a Senator for Tasmania.
Nick has made a tremendous contribution to the Labor team.
He served as a Parliamentary Secretary in the Keating Government and subsequently spent many years working tirelessly on the Opposition frontbench. He then served as a Minister from 2007 until his retirement from the Ministry in December last year.
During his time in the Ministry, Nick worked hard to protect jobs and to strengthen Australia's small business sector. He was also a strong advocate for the growth of the Australian tourism sector and his name will always be synonymous with Labor's superannuation reforms.
Nick has made considerable achievements in his areas of portfolio responsibility, and in the ALP caucus and the Senate more broadly.
He has also served his constituents, the people of Tasmania, loyally and thoroughly for two decades.
I thank Nick for his remarkable service to the ALP and I wish him and his family well in the future.
Nick overcame some personal tough times and is much admired for his determination.
I'm sure he's looking forward to spending more time with his three young children in his post-Parliament days, and that they will be equally thrilled to have him home.
Nick will spend his final day in the Senate on June 1.