Bullock recalls that he had been looking forward to retirement but was worried Labor would only get one Senator in WA in the 2013 election. He prayed and decided to run.
He says he is "naturally disappointed" that Labor only returned one senator in the end anyway.
Bullock adds he is sad Pratt was not able to get across the line and keep her seat.
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5.35pm on Aug 26, 2014
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"I can assure you ... the ALP is a wonderful party," says Bullock.
He assures the Senate that he will always vote consistently with caucus positions.
That doesn't mean he won't share his opinions, however.
And says that tolerant societies should uphold freedom of speech (is there an 18C connection here?).
But not before a whole lot of mucking around on a private member's bill that Anthony Albanese was trying to talk about.
Albo is worried that funding for the Roads to Recovery program ran out in June and wants it extended.
There is currently a bill to determine new council allocations and funding conditions before the Parliament.
Transport Minister Warren Truss says that "all the Senate needs to do is pass the legislation this week and the money will flow to the councils in full and on time".
To cut a long story short, the House has just spent the best part of 30 minutes voting on gag motions to stop Labor MPs speaking and voting down Albo's bid to suspend standing orders.