Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The life of the Hon. Brian Francis Gibson AM was one of understated achievement, commitment and service. For those of us on the Tasmanian Liberal Senate team on whose behalf I have the privilege of speaking this afternoon, can I say we had the privilege of working with him. We had the privilege of interacting with and learning from a man of principle, a man of deep knowledge, experience, understanding and wisdom.

Brian's many positions and achievements that have been fully detailed by the Leader of the Government in the Senate, in anybody's language, is an impressive list. It needs to be understood that this list of achievements, appointments and positions was not just about padding out a CV. He devoted himself heart and soul to each task that he undertook. The understated nature of Brian is highlighted by the fact that his arrival in Canberra after the 'unlosable' election—which our side of politics went on to lose—was hardly recognised other than as a welcome new face rather than being recognised for the hotbed of policy talent and experience which was so sorely needed at the time.

It was through his friend former President Paul Calvert that the leadership was alerted to his wealth of capacities. Once realised, those talents were immediately and effectively harnessed as he helped develop the policies in opposition and at the beginning of the new Liberal government which ushered in and heralded the golden decade of 1996 to 2007.

His integrity was beyond question, yet an overly prescriptive and, quite frankly, senseless interpretation of ministerial standards saw him resign. As many said at the time, if there is a standard which requires Brian's resignation, I would back Brian any day over the particular requirement.

Brian just recently received a call from former Prime Minister Howard, who had learned of Brian's severe ill health. That was a call that Brian genuinely appreciated. It's an indication of former Prime Minister Howard's genuineness and the high regard in which John Howard held Brian Gibson.

His interest in public policy and political matters remained with him till the end. I, for one, was the beneficiary of numerous phone calls from him. I indeed met with Brian for a coffee as recently as 22 June, when he spoke realistically about his health challenges and stark prognosis, yet he did so with thankfulness for the extra decade of good living with which he had been blessed after a grim diagnosis with a different issue a decade earlier. His particular condition then was well treated and contained through the application of cutting-edge treatment. Regrettably, as one form of illness was being effectively treated, another was quietly taking hold of Mr Gibson, undetected, and ultimately claimed his life. On behalf of the Tasmanian Liberal Senate team, I express the condolences of the team to his lovely and supportive wife, Pauline, and his three children and thank him for his unselfish service to our state and nation. May he rest in peace.