Phillip Barresi (Deakin, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have to report that the order of the day relating to the Prime Minster’s motion of condolence in connection with the death of Senator Jeannie Margaret Ferris has been debated in the Main Committee and is returned to the House. I present a certified copy of the motion. I understand it is the wish of the House to consider the matter forthwith. The question is that the motion be agreed to. I ask all honourable members to signify their approval by rising in their places.

Question agreed to, honourable members standing in their places.

Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Families and Community Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy Speaker, on indulgence, I really did want an opportunity of extending condolences because of the outstanding work of Jeannie Ferris over a very long period. So many women around Australia have indicated to me that they see her death as a terrible loss. She was such a great advocate for so many women, particularly those women who have the sorts of health problems that she drew great attention to. I do not have much time in which to speak, but I do want to add my voice to all of those in the parliament who have indicated that we will miss not only her enormous energy, her verve and her happy way of always bringing people together but also her incredible, gutsy, personal fight and enormous courage in the face of what she had to withstand in the interests of so many of us.