Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to add my remarks and my high regard for John Fahey to those sentiments already echoed by so many colleagues. John Fahey was indeed a great Australian, a great contributor and a man who left an enormous imprint on the public life and on the public psyche. It is a testament to his style, character and authenticity that Australians, particularly New South Welshmen, remembered him so fondly, so nicely and so thoughtfully following his passing recently. It's also the case that Liberals across the country remembered him as a man of conviction and of values but also very much of a common touch. I acknowledge his many accomplishments, many of which have been reflected in this chamber today.

I wish only to say a few words, but I also want to add some remarks of others. I reached out to some of John's former parliamentary colleagues in this place to seek their reflections on the man they served alongside in the parliament and in the cabinet. Former Leader of the Government in this place Robert Hill, who served in the cabinet with John Fahey, reflected on John as the finance minister, noting that he had the nicest way of saying no when Robert was looking for money. He described him as always the gentleman and, as many have, very much the values-driven politician.

Christopher Pyne, unsurprisingly, went to John's charm and capability but described him as being unaffected by that charm and capability that had led him to hold great power in his hands at both the state and the national level. Even more unsurprising, Christopher reflected on John's Irish Catholic background, noting that he maintained that earthiness that comes from so many Irish Australians, as well as humility and insight that endeared him to colleagues. He also acknowledged that John was someone who you could rely on in a political contest and that he didn't run from a fight but nor was he someone who initiated them. He never abandoned his friends.

Amanda Vanstone, who also served in the cabinet and the ministry alongside John Fahey, recalled, as many have, his health battles. She recorded, in true Amanda Vanstone style, the story after John's first lung surgery, where the doctors told him that they hadn't taken much out because it looked so grim. He asked, according to Amanda, if they were 'effing joking'. He said that he hadn't come to surgery to not take every chance possible to give him the best chance of success and that he wanted to go back into surgery as soon as possible and for them to take as much as was necessary for him to be able to live a long life ahead. Indeed, that is what happened—he had further surgery. They went back in and took the rest of that lung, but that gave him the chance to go on and serve many good years to make an enormous contribution, as we've heard, as chair of WADA. But, most importantly, John was able to spend valuable time with his family, his many loved ones and his friends. Amanda described him as a 'great guy' of 'great courage'.

One of those many great friends and loved ones is our own colleague, Senator Payne, who is unable to be here. Senator Reynolds has reflected on Marise's close friendship with John, Colleen and their family. Marise is deeply disappointed to not be able to contribute to this debate due to her overseas responsibilities at this time. She did have the chance to speak at John's funeral, and the Prime Minister has reflected on just how beautifully Marise Payne spoke of John's memory, of his life and his love and, indeed, very much of the fact he was a mentor to so many—to young people like Senator Payne and former Treasurer Joe Hockey, kickstarting their careers, not just through the early stages but right throughout their lives, with wise counsel, advice and, above all, the loyalty and friendship that John was so renowned for. Marise wanted me to remind the chamber that John Fahey was, like Marise, a great republican.

John Fahey leaves a remarkable imprint on this country, particularly on the state of New South Wales. His contribution to our life and to events like the Sydney Olympics will endure. I too convey my sympathies to his family and our thanks for all his family did and gave in sharing him with a grateful nation.