Mark Coulton (Parkes, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also acknowledge the passing of Jimmy Little last month in Dubbo. As the member for Parkes, the electorate that encompasses Dubbo, I would like to offer my condolences on behalf of the residents of my electorate to Jimmy Little's family. I have been a country music fan all my life and have listened to Jimmy Little's singing for many, many years, and have always been a fan of his music. It was only recently that I discovered that there was much more to this man than just a very talented country and western singer. While I never knew Jimmy Little personally, having spoken to people who did, I certainly wish that I had had that opportunity. I was speaking to a lady in Lightning Ridge last week who had met Jimmy Little just once and said that the charisma that he radiated really had an effect on her. That was the type of person he was. He was quiet and very respectful, as many Aboriginal elders are, and also hardworking and determined.

We have heard some wonderful eulogies on Jimmy Little this afternoon in this House and I will not go over the same ground. I wish to acknowledge the passing of such a key person in the Aboriginal community. As a person who represents a lot of Aboriginal people in this place, I cannot underestimate the effect that someone of Jimmy Little's standing had on the community and the people who looked up to him not only because of his singing but also because of what he did later in life in highlighting issues with kidney disease and setting up the foundation. In closing, I would like to offer my condolences to Jimmy Little's family and pay my respects to someone who was a truly great Australian.

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