Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) | Hansard source

on indulgence—I join with the Prime Minister in expressing my condolences to the family, friends and so many colleagues of the late David Irvine. It was a shock this morning when a journalist notified me that he had passed on. David Irvine was a giant of the Australian Public Service. He has performed many roles—secretary of departments, head of ASIO. He has been an extraordinary contributor to our national security and to the Public Service. He has advised governments, both Labor and coalition, over many decades, and he was a gentleman as well. He was someone you could ask for advice, even from opposition. He would always give it, in an entirely appropriate way, of course. He is someone who will be sadly missed.

We are reminded, with David's passing, of the important role that public servants have. The truth is that someone like David Irvine could have got much greater financial remuneration if he had chosen that path of personal interest. He chose the path of public interest. I honour him, I pay tribute to him, I thank him for his service and I thank his family for sharing him with our nation.

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