Meryl Swanson (Paterson, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary young man from my electorate of Paterson. Thirteen-year-old Luke Mullard, whose actions saved the life of a 92-year-old woman, reflect the very best of the Australian spirit. In recent months, our nation has been confronted by deeply distressing events. In times of fear and uncertainty, Australians look for reassurance that our shared values still endure. Moments like this remind us that courage, compassion and responsibility for one another are not abstract ideals; they are lived out every day in our communities.

Only weeks before the tragic events in Bondi, those values were clearly demonstrated in the town of Thornton. Luke Mullard was walking home from school when he noticed smoke coming from a nearby property. Realising something was wrong, he ran towards the house and heard calls from an elderly woman trapped inside. Luke assisted the 92-year-old woman to safety, helping her to her car where she waited until the emergency services arrived. Throughout the incident, Luke remained calm and focused. He called for help, checked whether anyone else was inside the home and stayed with the elderly woman until it was safe to leave her in the care of emergency services.

Once help had arrived and the situation was under control, Luke simply continued onto his part-time job and thought nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. It was not until later that evening, after he'd come home from work and when the police attended his family home, that Luke's parents learned that their son had been such a hero earlier in the evening. Luke did what we hope every Australian would do in a moment of crisis. He stepped forward without hesitation and placed the wellbeing of another person ahead of his own safety. He did not act for recognition or for praise but because he instinctively understood that helping someone in need is simply the right thing to do.

What makes Luke's actions particularly inspiring is his humility. He sought no attention and expected no acknowledgement. His response reflects values that are shaped by family, community and by example, values that give us confidence in the future. At just 13 years of age, Luke Mullard is a credit to his family, his school and the Thornton community. More importantly, he's a powerful reminder that leadership, courage and kindness are not defined by age or title but by action. I'm incredibly proud to recognise Luke today. His actions give us hope and remind us that the strength of our nation lies in ordinary people stepping up and doing the right thing when it matters most. Good on you, Luke.