Karen Andrews (McPherson, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Hansard source

I am honoured to speak today about one of the gentlemen of this House, Mr Alby Schultz, who sadly passed away on 13 July this year.

Born in Melbourne in 1939 to a working class family, Alby did not have an easy start. At the age of 14, he ran away from a violent home and was found by Jimmy Betts sleeping under a bridge. Jimmy became an influential figure in Alby's life, helping him with a home and a job. In turn, Alby was quite taken with Jimmy's daughter Gloria, who would later become his wife of 52 years.

He worked as a meat processor at the local abattoir before starting his political career in 1983 as a member of the Cootamundra Shire Council. Following a tough fought preselection, he entered the New South Wales parliament as the member for Burrinjuck. His son Grant said, 'He was very proud of winning that preselection. He told the panel that if they selected him, they'd get two for one: he and Gloria. They were absolutely dynamic as a political pair.' On entering state politics , Alby pledged to represent people of all political persuasions and he did just that for the decade he served as member for Burrinjuck.

In 1998, Alby stood for and won the federal seat of Hume. He went on to become its longest serving member and staunchest advocate. Alby readily admitted he came from a staunch Labor family. In his maiden speech, he said:

An uncle recently told me that my grandfather would turn in his grave, knowing I was a Liberal member of parliament—and he is absolutely right.

In explaining his conversion, he said:

… I was converted to conservative politics at a very young age because extremely well paid union officials, similar to those members opposite, had me out on strike more times than I worked.

That really speaks to the value Alby placed on hard work. Through his own determination and dedication, he worked his way from wheeling manure carts at the abattoir to factory manager. He put himself through night school and completed a business management course. His progression from councillor to state member and from state member to highly respected member for Hume did not happen by chance.

Alby described himself as a 'strong advocate of mainstream values' and 'fierce defender of the traditional family unit'. In his maiden speech, he said:

I intend to defend the mainstream family values which have been pushed aside for political expediency; and I will never compromise my principles, honesty and integrity, no matter the cost.

He was not afraid to cross the floor on matters he felt strongly about and was often described as a maverick MP.

Alby was a family man and it was clear that he adored his wife, Gloria. His reference to her in his maiden speech shows the deep dedication they had to each other. He said:

To my lovely wife, Gloria: thank you for your love, your quiet inner strength, your comfort and support, and for just being beside me; 'the team', as we are known within the region, has been a close successful combination in everything we have done together all our married life.

He spoke often of his sons Dean and Grant, referring to them as being brothers rather than sons. He adored their wives, Debbie and Rebecca, and his five grandchildren.

In his valedictory speech, Alby said:

I stand here in this House content in the knowledge I have given my all as a privileged individual who is here because of the generosity of my fellow Australians.

He absolutely gave his all, a life dedicated to representing those who needed it most, with honour and integrity. I am grateful to have shared the chamber with Alby. My thoughts are with his family at this time. I will miss him and we will all miss him.

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