Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to add my condolences to those already shared in the chamber for a wonderful South Australian and South Australian senator, an advocate for our state, an advocate for multicultural Australia and an advocate for our wonderful natural environment. We know, of course, that Nick Bolkus was passionate not just about his family and the local beaches and the environment but about what type of country we are and want to be. The leadership he showed following the Tiananmen Square massacre was significant. We should remember, at these types of times, that that type of leadership has been done, can be done and is needed, and we should reflect upon the courage at the time of political leaders to make the right decisions for humanity and for future generations. As the shadow environment minister in the year 2000, Senator Nick Bolkus attended the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. I note that way back then, he was talking about the need to cut carbon emissions and to do more in relation to our climate. He was a visionary. He was able to see the problems as they were, understand where the community was and do his best to bring people along with him.

In summary to this condolence, I actually wanted to read some words that have been written by the former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown, who worked closely with Nick Bolkus at various times, particularly in relation to not only the environment but also human rights: 'Nick Bolkus was considerate, friendly and a good negotiator. I especially remember his smiling demeanour the day in 2001 when I stood up in the House of Reps on the visiting of the US president George Bush Jr. There was a lot of condemnation, but Nick, sitting across the aisle, kept up a knowing and reassuring smile as the uproar continued. After all, Labor also opposed the illegal invasion of Iraq. He was a minister whose ability to talk over contentious issues without rancour was outstanding and rewarding. Vale Nick.'

I wish the best for his family—I know this is a really tough time. Know that our thoughts are with you and the party that he loved so much.