Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to join with my colleagues in this condolence motion in paying tribute to the life and legacy of the Hon. Nick Bolkus, a man whose contribution to the Australian Labor Party, to the parliament and to our nation was profound and enduring. Although I did not have the opportunity to serve in the parliament alongside Nick, we were members of the same proud tradition within the Labor Party—the Left. I did have the pleasure of witnessing him in action many times at Australian Labor Party national conferences and at numerous gatherings of the National Left. In those forums, Nick Bolkus was something to behold: utterly fearless in debate and driven by an unshakeable commitment to Labor values and democratic principles.

Nick Bolkus is one of those figures whose reputation preceded him, whose influence was felt across the generations of Labor parliamentarians and whose legacy continues to shape the party we are today. Fittingly, as the first Greek Australian to serve as a cabinet minister, Nick Bolkus was a passionate believer in democracy and in the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. He understood, from lived experience, what it meant to belong and what it meant to work for inclusion. His story was also Australia's story—a story of migration, contribution and the enrichment of our national life through diversity.

In every portfolio he served, Nick sought reform, not only for its own sake but to ensure that the instruments and power of government were also used to serve the aspirations of everyday Australians. Whether in immigration, multicultural affairs or other areas of responsibility, he brought intellectual rigour, moral clarity and an unshakeable commitment to fairness. As Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and later as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Nick was both a strong advocate for the benefits of a modern multicultural Australia and a living example of its success. He understood that multiculturalism was not simply about tolerance but about participation, responsibility and shared democratic values. He argued for an Australia that is confident enough to embrace difference while united by common purpose.

Within the labour movement, Nick was respected as a principled advocate and a committed member of the Left. He believed in social justice, in equality of opportunity and in the idea that government has a moral responsibility to act in the public good. These are values that continue to guide many of us who follow after him. For those of us who did not serve alongside him, Nick Bolkus remains a benchmark, a reminder of what principled public service looks like and of the difference that one determined individual can make over the course of a lifetime of politics.

I extend my deepest sympathy to Nick's family—his wife, Mary, and his children—and friends and those who love him. Theirs is a profound loss, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. Nick Bolkus's memory will indeed live long in Labor hearts. His legacy lives on in our laws, in our institutions and in the multicultural, democratic Australia that he worked so hard to strengthen. I look forward to the Labor Party celebrating the win of the seat of Colton for Nick Bolkus and Aria.

Question agreed to, honourable senators joining in a moment of silence.