James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Special Minister of State) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to Mark McArdle. Mark was the long-term LNP member for Caloundra between 2004 and 2020. Mark was a dedicated and passionate servant for the people of Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast and Queensland. I first met Mark and his wife, Judy, in the late 1990s, when his Liberals were campaigning across the Sunshine Coast for state and federal elections.

Over the course of his career, Mark held a variety of senior positions and portfolios, including Deputy Leader of the Opposition and the last leader of the Liberal Party. Mark took his responsibilities seriously and always put his community, the electorate and the state of Queensland first, without fear or favour. This was well illustrated when, during his time as Minister for Energy and Water Supply, he developed a forward-thinking plan to secure Queensland's water supply and develop a cost-effective energy system, to the benefit of future generations.

Mark, sadly, faced a battle with cancer that took him too soon, but this was a battle he fought with courage and determination—because Mark, in his professional life, as in his personal life, was always future focused and determined to create a better Queensland. But Mark's contribution to the LNP cannot be understated. The merger of the Liberal Party and National Party would not have happened without his bravery and foresight. As leader of the Liberal Party, he saw that it was better for the Liberals and the Nationals to be united to take on the forces of the left. His foresight, and that of Lawrence Springborg, was shown in our win of 2012 and our win of last year.

To Judy, your family and all those friends and supporters of Mark—my condolences. Queensland has lost a true public servant.