David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I am getting to that. Bruce and Wooley, however, remained on good terms and, in fact, together caused a major upheaval in the Canberra press gallery when Bruce insisted on accompanying Charles into a budget lock-up reserved for the media, earning the displeasure of then Treasurer Paul Keating. The most well-known antic of Goodluck was, of course, the infamous chicken suit incident. Upon a dare from a Labor colleague, Bruce turned up to federal parliament in 1985 wearing a full chicken suit. The Deputy Speaker of the time yelled out, 'Remove that thing from the House!' and, with his feathers thoroughly ruffled, Bruce flew out of the chamber and managed to elude capture.

Extraordinarily, despite everyone being well aware that Bruce was the culprit no-one ever came forward to dob him in, showing that everyone must have enjoyed the antic more than they could let on at the time. It was only years later, shortly after his retirement, that Bruce confessed to the misdeed. While not keen for the antics to become his legacy, he acknowledged that the escapade worked to his advantage when he returned to politics in 1996 after three years of retirement from federal parliament. This time he stood successfully as an Independent member for the Tasmanian House of Assembly in 1996 and held the seat until the 1998 election.

While Bruce was a renowned prankster, he also did some very serious work. Influenced by his childhood and upbringing, people and their welfare always remained the most important aspect of his work—evidenced in his grassroots political style. His resolute commitment and track record for getting things done earned him the title, 'the little Aussie battler'. Michael Hodgman dubbed him 'the champion of the people', emphasising that Bruce was always determined, passionate and authentic. He advocated on behalf of thousands of Tasmanians, extending beyond the borders of his electorate with problems ranging through public housing, pensions, taxation and health care to immigration, and even to neighbourhood feuds.

His experience of being brought up by a single father led him to champion extending the then sole mothers' benefit to become the sole parents' benefit. He also worked hard alongside Michael Hodgman to put Tasmania on the map, as they wanted the rest of the nation to know the many good things that my home state—and your home state, Mr President—has to offer.

Bruce Goodluck led a full life and his legacy is one that any man would be proud of. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and by the many people on whom his hard work and determination had such a positive impact. Rest in peace Bruce, Goodluck.

Senate adjourned at 19 : 16