I rise today to pay honour to a dear, dear friend and mentor, Michael Stewart, who died on the weekend aged 96. If you want to look at a life well lived, Michael's life was well lived. He was one of that generation that we still look to and wonder how. They were that generation; they were tough, they were resilient and they just got on and built Australia. I say to Michael's family—he's the much-loved father of Tim, Gina, Simon and Lisa; admired father-in-law of Hugh, Alison and Simon; adored grandfather of Annabel, Sophie, Annabel, Fergus, Victoria, Jock, Olivia, Serena and Liam; and great-grandfather of Theodora and Araminta—my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It would be incredibly sad to lose someone so dear, but what a life he lived. What a remarkable life he lived.

Michael was a New Zealander who came to the Western District because his sister's husband died. At age 22 he came over from New Zealand to help her run the farm. That's where he met his wife. He, along with his wife, ended up running a farm called Kinvonvie. He, with his wife, turned it into a wonderful, wonderful farm. But that wasn't all that Michael did; he was just one of those people that wanted to be involved in the community. He was involved in the local football club. He was involved in the local research centre. He was involved when it came to agripolitics.

He was involved when it came to politics. He knew that good government in Australia was very much dependent on having the Liberal Party in power. He helped and supported Malcolm Fraser, he helped and supported David Hawker and he helped and supported me. He actually helped me win preselection for the seat of Wannon. I can never, ever thank him enough for the way that he showed me around, the way he introduced me to people. It was like I was a prized colt or something of the type. He was just fantastic. It was through his support that I was able to win that preselection and go on and represent the people of Wannon.

Michael, rest in peace. You were a great, great man.