Melissa Price (Durack, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Science) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to acknowledge several respected Western Australians whose recent passing has touched communities across Durack and beyond. Dr Erica Smyth AC was a pioneering geologist and one of the most influential leaders in Australia's minerals and petroleum sectors. From her early days cleaning crayfish during school holidays in Geraldton to senior roles at BHP and Woodside, Erica's career embodied determination, innovation and public service. She championed research and exploration in uranium, serving as the chair of Toro Energy and as a non-executive director at ANSTO, Emeco Holdings and the Commonwealth minerals exploration CRC program. Beyond industry, she was a passionate advocate for scientific and medical research, particularly in diabetes. In 2018 she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her extraordinary contribution to industry and to the nation. Her passing leaves a significant void, and I extend my deepest sympathy to her family, friends and colleagues.

Greg Weller was a stalwart of the WA Liberal Party and a tireless advocate for regional Western Australia. He dedicated more than 50 years of service across the Canning, Durack and O'Connor divisions and made a lasting impact on regional road safety. Through his long involvement with the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association, Greg helped secure important improvements throughout the 1990s, including overtaking lanes at Bindoon Hill, 'prepare to stop' signals on Perth's highways and essential truck rest areas across the wheatbelt. These practical outcomes continue to keep motorists safe today. Greg and his late wife, Fran Weller, formed a formidable team committed to sound governance and strong representation for rural and regional WA. Fran was a passionate educator and stood for the agricultural region in the 1993 and 1996 elections, and together they proudly supported the work of Liberal governments under leaders such as John Howard, Peter Costello and Richard Court. In 2013, both Greg and Fran received a federal meritorious service award, from Prime Minister Tony Abbott, recognising their decades of loyal service. I enjoyed Greg and Fran's company very much. Both were never shy to share their point of view, and their advice was always intended to be encouraging and well meaning. Greg remained engaged right to the end, serving as a Liberal Party selection committee delegate as recently as 2024.

Former member for Geraldton Shane Hill, whose recent, sudden passing has been felt deeply across the mid-west, also leaves a lasting legacy. Shane served as the member for Geraldton from 2001 to 2008, with a passion for and strong belief in opportunity for all. His dedication to community service will not be forgotten. I extend my sympathy to his family, his friends, his former colleagues and all of those who loved him.

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