Labor pays tribute to Dr Rosemary Laing, following the announcement that she will retire as Clerk of the Senate on 8 March 2017.

Dr Laing has served the Senate for 26 years with great distinction since taking up the position of Director of Research in 1990.

Having also served as a Clerk Assistant and then as Deputy Clerk, in 2009 Dr Laing was appointed to replace the longest serving Clerk since Federation, the formidable Harry Evans.

In her seven years in the post Dr Laing has never faltered in her advocacy of the role and powers of the Senate in our bicameral parliament, nor in her defence of the independence of the Senate as a house of review.

I personally appreciate the professional and impartial advice she has provided to me and Labor senators at all times.

Without the dedication of people such as Dr Laing the Parliament could not properly function and government could not be held to account.

I look forward to continuing to work with Dr Laing over her remaining months as Clerk of the Senate and thank her for her support and dedication during her 26 years of service.