Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—With the passing of Neale Daniher, we all grieve for a great Australian. On behalf of the government and the people of Australia, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the Daniher family—his wife, Jan; children, Bec, Ben, Lauren and Luke; many grandchildren; and wider family. They did so much to support the man that they loved so deeply.

In 2013, after an extraordinary and decorated VFL/AFL career as both player and then coach, Neale Daniher was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. At that point, the average life expectancy was just 27 months. Instead, through 13 years Neale fought what he called 'the beast' with the courage, optimism and passion that brought hope and inspiration into the lives of everyone affected by MND. The devastating impacts of motor neurone disease stole so much from Neale, but he held on to everything that people loved and admired about him—his selflessness, his bravery, his humour, his ability to look on the bright side and his fierce determination to make a difference for others.

It was a profound honour for me to present Neale Daniher the Australian of the Year Award in 2025. I think it is safe to say that there has never been an award so unanimously agreed to by every single Australian on that night. It was richly deserved recognition that Neale embraced not as an accolade but as a platform, a way to continue his advocacy for a cure.

Neale Daniher's remarkable legacy lives all around us. The difference he made can be measured in the national awareness and the tens of millions of dollars that he and FightMND have raised to research a cure. It can be counted in the tens of thousands of Big Freeze beanies that will fill the MCG on the King's Birthday weekend. Above all, it will be carried in the hearts of everyone who found new strength and, yes, new hope in their fight because of the extraordinary example that Neale set. May this wonderful Australian rest in peace.

Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I thank the Prime Minister for his heartfelt words. On behalf of the federal coalition, I express my condolences to the family and friends of Neale Daniher AO and the wider AFL community on his sad death.

Neale was a champion footballer, a mighty coach, a family man and an all-round outstanding Australian. As Victorian of the Year and Australian of the Year, his fundraising work was instrumental in helping Australians fight motor neurone disease. He fought 'the beast', as the Prime Minister rightly described his way of characterising it, to the last—never waving a white flag and carrying on with his customary wit and grace.

Neale was a fighter to the end. That MND fight will now carry on in so many who have been inspired by Neale. The sight of thousands of Melburnians with their Big Freeze beanies was a testament to Neale's advocacy and awareness-raising of this absolutely insidious disease. 'Walk the walk', the Big Freeze and FightMND are traditions thanks to Neale. He was a best and fairest on the footy field and in life. He was known as 'the Reverend', and 'the Rev' was revered for his passionate public speaking.

We are thinking of those dearest to him as well: his wife, Jan; and his children Lauren, Luke, Bec and Ben. May he rest in peace.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As mark of respect to the memory of Neale Daniher, I ask all present to rise in their places.

Honourable members having stood in their places

I thank the House.