Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise today to pay tribute to a man who was quite simply an institution at Parliament House, Mr Tony Calabria, who has, as we know, recently and sadly passed away. Tony was, of course, for the coffee drinkers in this place and beyond, the founder of Aussies cafe right here in this building. It was in 1996 that he actually opened the doors of Aussies, and for 30 years he built it into something that became as much a part of Parliament House as the chambers themselves. He greeted senators, members, staff, journalists and visitors with the same warmth, the same generous spirit and, more often than not, the same perfect coffee. In a place defined by the comings and goings of politics, Tony was a constant—a steady, smiling presence who made this building feel a little bit more like home.

But, to truly understand Tony, you needed to know where his story actually began. It was one of those great migrant success stories. In 1955, a 15-year-old boy stepped off a boat from Italy onto Australian soil. That boy was Tony Calabria. He arrived with his family, with very little but with everything that would come to define him—courage, resilience, dignity and an enormous heart. His life is a testament to what our great country can offer and what migrants give back in return.

What Tony built over the 30 years at Aussies was remarkable—as I said, not just a business but an actual community It is our local coffee shop when we're here in Canberra. He knew your name. He was always up for a chat with me at 6.30 in the morning, when he was already at work but, of course, watching over his son, Dom. Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Anna, and his children, Teresa, Rosanna, Lisa and, of course, Domenic, or Dom as we know him. To his family I say this: Tony was not just loved within these walls; he was treasured. He leaves a legacy that no parliamentary record can fully capture but that every person who shared a moment at Aussies will carry with them always. Rest in peace, Tony. You will be profoundly missed. With the indulgence of the chamber—it has been circulated to the whips—I seek leave to table Tony's funeral booklet.

Leave granted.