Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would just like to associate myself with the comments of all my colleagues in the chamber today who have spoken with respect to the service of former senator Alan Eggleston, Dr Eggleston, having had the very good fortune to serve with him—as my wife said to me as I was heading out of the chamber earlier in the night, a man who loved his leather jacket. It might have been for reasons that have been explained by Senator Brockman earlier, but the leather jacket was a feature that even Gaylene noticed. He was somebody who achieved despite what everyone else might have expected. I think of the story that Senator Brockman told about the appalling way that he was treated by the medical system when he was doing his training to be a doctor, the support he got from his colleagues on the course and the fact that, despite that, he found a way. He just got on with the job and did the job and then went on to a remarkable life of service to the Port Hedland community, whether that be as a medical practitioner in that community, whether that be in local government or whether that be when he came to the Senate and remained a remarkable advocate for regional Western Australia.

He had what I would describe as a very, very wry sense of humour. He could be a bit mischievous at times, as those of us who served with him would know, and he was on many occasions our wise man. He would provide advice, he would provide support and he would hold court. He had a great intellect, and he used that for the benefit of his community, for the benefit of the country—with over 18 years of service in this place—and also in support of colleagues and others, who he was always prepared to provide support to in this place when they needed it or when even he thought they may have needed it. He was only too willing to offer.

It is a remarkable career that he has achieved—a remarkable life that he has achieved. It was appropriate that he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for all of that service. I am very, very pleased that he was a colleague for me for a period of time in this place, for 12 years, and very much enjoyed working with him. The fact that he served as chair of the economics committee over a couple of stints, environment and comms, and also foreign affairs, defence and trade shows the breadth of what he was capable of—to be given the responsibility to chair those committees. So, to all those that loved him and miss him, my condolences. Rest in peace, Eggy.