Retirement of Senator the Hon Helen Coonan
Posted on Thursday, 18 August 2011
I am very sorry to be losing from the Senate a good friend and close colleague.
Helen Coonan has been a distinguished Liberal and a great contributor to our society.
As Communications Minister, Helen presided over the final privatisation of Telstra and reform to Australia's media laws.
As Assistant Treasurer, Helen helped to resolve the consequences of the FAI-HIH collapse.
Prior to entering parliament, she was a well respected member of the Sydney Bar.
All of her parliamentary colleagues will miss Helen but wish her well in the next phase of her life.
We also send our best wishes to her husband, the Hon Andrew Rogers QC, a former distinguished NSW judge.
Helen still has much to contribute to our society and I look forward to continuing to work with her inside the Liberal Party and more generally.
18 August 2011