Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise, too, to give a few short remarks in relation to the condolence motion for former senator Jim Molan AO, DSC. It's without a doubt that his contribution to this place was one of distinguished service, and he did that throughout his life. It's been spoken about in the chamber today by everyone in relation to his service through his military service, and his commitment to this nation and our people. In his military service, he rose to the rank of major general and was defence materiel advocate, adviser to Vice Chief of the Defence Force on joint war fighting, Commander of the Australian Defence College, officer of the Australian Army, deputy chief of operations for coalition forces in Iraq. Jim was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1992 and he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2000.

I think what we can take from the contribution of Jim over the time that he served in this place is that he was open and friendly—people have remarked that he always had a smile on his face—but the one thing that he gave most of was his time. I always have believed that the greatest gift you can give anyone, whether it's your family, whether it's your friends, whether it's a colleague in need, is time. I think we can all take a leaf out of his book and learn to do that more often.

In these condolence motions we often talk about people's service, about their personality, and we pay tribute to their families. But it is without doubt that Senator Molan's family not only gave up their time with him when he served in the military forces but also when he came to this place. We who sit here, and those listening, know how much time and sacrifice families make for the service of their loved ones in this place—particularly for him, on top of his military service. Having family that have served in the military, I know only too well of the sacrifices those families make.

I pass on my deep respect and condolences to his wife and family, and to his friends and extended family. I understand the unimaginable time of grief and loss. What is too difficult to acknowledge is that we have lost three senators in the last two years: the late former senators Kimberley Kitching and Alex Gallacher and now Senator Jim Molan. It's a time when we should be reflecting on not only our service and our lives and the commitment that our families make to support us here; we need to ensure—from a suggestion that's been made in the past, and I've been speaking to the Special Minister of State about it—that we have recognition of those who die while in office. I think the best way would be for a rose garden, as a mark of respect. Unfortunately, since I've been in this place we've had four senators pass away while in service to their country. So we will continue to do that.

I honour Jim's contribution. I never got to serve with him on any committees, but we've already had Senator McCarthy speak about the stillbirth inquiry she chaired and I know, from conversations I've had with others in this place, that his personal experience brought a deeper understanding of all of those issues. That reflects the man that he was. Yes, he was tall in stature, but whenever he was in a room he lit it up with his charm, his intellect and his friendliness. So he will be sorely missed by, I think, everyone in this chamber, irrespective of which side of the chamber whence they come.

It is a time to reflect on some of the attributes that have been talked about this morning, and I'd like to say that I share so many of those contributions that have been made. To know that he was respected, to have so many people get up and make their contribution, is a testament to the man that he was. My condolences. Rest in peace, Jim. You have served your country, you have served your parliament and you have been a leader of not only your community but also your family. Rest in peace.