Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise this evening to pay tribute to a remarkable individual whose lifelong commitment to service has left an indelible mark on Tasmania and our nation: Paul Orlando Griffin OAM. Mr Griffin was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List alongside 32 other well-deserving Tasmanians who received an honour this Australia Day. I extend my sincere congratulations to these deserving Tasmanians. Tonight, though, I want to talk about a legacy—Paul Griffin's legacy and dedication to the rights of working people, to the betterment of our society, and to the causes of justice and fairness. Mr Griffin stands as a shining example of what the Medal of the Order of Australia represents.

Paul, I thank you for your unwavering service, your compassion and your relentless pursuit of a fairer Australia. For more than three decades, Paul has been a tireless advocate for working people, particularly those who serve our communities in retail, warehousing, pharmacy and fast food. As State Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association—better known as the SDA—in Tasmania, he fought every day for workers. He fought for improved pay and conditions and respect in the workplace. His leadership transformed not just those workplaces but his members' lives. Paul's vision for fairness saw industrial relations in Tasmania progress, ensuring that the voices of men and women were heard and valued.

He tirelessly fought campaigns on superannuation, annual wage increases, Work Choices—he was there at the front line in Work Choices and the Your Rights at Work campaign, and I stood there shoulder to shoulder with him and other proud unionists and members of those unions—No One Deserves a Serve, equal pay at 18, Easter public holiday recognition in Tasmania and, most importantly, safety in the workplace. Paul's commitment did not end at the workplace door. His heart for service shines through his extensive charity work with St Vincent de Paul, where he brought dignity and hope to those doing it tough. In the Lilydale and George Town communities, Paul's faith and humility were the foundation of his quiet but profound influence.

Paul's strength as a leader was perhaps most evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst uncertainty and fear, he stood steadfast, advocating for the safety and wellbeing of SDA members and our essential workers. Paul was a driving force in the push to have workplace protections, fair pay and public recognition for those on the front line. His leadership ensured that retail and fast food workers—so often overlooked—were supported, respected and protected during one of our greatest challenges. Paul's compassion extended beyond the everyday. In the aftermath of the Hillcrest tragedy in Devonport, where we lost too many children, he was a pillar of support for the grieving parents and families, providing comfort and being an advocate for them when they needed it most.

His actions remind us that true leadership is measured not only in achievements but in the moments of crisis and in the quiet acts of kindness that help to heal. At the heart of Paul's life is the virtue of public service, a calling lived out alongside his loving wife, Heather, whose selfless partnership has been integral in his journey and whose lifelong commitment to educating Tasmanian children in the public education system complemented his work—a family committed to be betterment of Tasmanians. After all, education is the key to ensuring that our children have the skills to pursue their dreams. Together with their family, they have nurtured a spirit of generosity, integrity and hope in all that they do.

Paul's legacy is seen in everyday campaigns he has led and every improvement he has fought for, and Paul has been at the forefront, ensuring that the rights and dignity of workers are protected. His longstanding involvement in the Lilydale branch of the Australian Labor Party and his role in supporting election campaigns have strengthened our democracy and the voice of everyday Australians—in particular, everyday Tasmanians. His work at the SDA locally, in Tasmania, and at a national level has helped mentor a positive future for unions and their members in this country. Paul is someone who believes in service at the highest level, and his commitment to Tasmanian workers wasn't about seeking public office or glory for himself. It was never about that, unlike for some who are only motivated by their own ambition and who follow that ambition at any cost. He wasn't a Johnny-come-lately or someone driven by ego; he was driven by public service and helping his members day in and day out. He's always shown up for the work, and he's always shown up for his members.

His contribution to the labour movement and to the Australian Labor Party is unmatched. His wisdom, courage and compassion have shaped the lives of thousands, inspired generations of leaders and enriched the community we all get to share. Paul Griffin is a loyal person, and his word is his bond. This OAM is a fitting recognition, but Paul's real reward is the respect and gratitude he receives. I want to join with others from my party and those in the union movement to acknowledge his contribution, honour his lifelong service and thank him for his dedication, his leadership, his friendship, his counsel and his unwavering belief in the power of collective action for the good. May your example continue to inspire us all to serve and to give hope to our community. Congratulations and thank you for everything you have given to Tasmania and to Australia.

I want to move on. February—it's a great month. Lots of nice people have birthdays this month, I might say, but, most importantly, it's Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer isn't sexy, it's not attractive to sponsors and advertisers, it has no celebrity campaigners and it has, unfortunately, the kind of lack of attention that costs lives. It doesn't come with pink ribbons stitched to a football jumper or a glossy campaign fronted by celebrities or influencers. It doesn't dominate the airwaves or attract the same corporate backing. It doesn't receive the same level of public conversation, urgency or visibility, and too many Australian women have been neglected because they haven't been supported and because women's health hasn't been funded in the past. It has had, quite frankly, devastating consequences. For too many women, this diagnosis can feel like a death sentence because it is so often too late when they are diagnosed. Each year in Australia, over a thousand women lose their lives to ovarian cancer. That's about three women every single day in this country, and, without intervention, that number will only increase.

Tomorrow morning, there is a breakfast here. I have spoken in this chamber for a very long time, and every year I speak on this, but, unfortunately, we still have too many people who are dying. We need to raise awareness because it's not easy to come in here and talk about these issues—it doesn't attract the headlines. Too many Australian women are losing their lives. I don't want to come in here year after year and for it to become a habit where everyone expects that I'm going to get up and talk about ovarian cancer this month. There are real consequences, and there has been neglect over too many years and underfunding in women's health. That's why I am particularly proud of the Albanese Labor government and what we have done in injecting real money into women's health.

We recognise that the symptoms of ovarian cancer are things that we experience regularly. Too often, women don't put themselves forward and seek a second opinion because they're thinking about their families. I urge you: don't dismiss your body. Listen to your body and ensure that you seek a second opinion because your lives matter. With all that was done over the years when the coalition were in government, when Medicare was cut, when they stripped money out of our hospitals, when they didn't support GPs, what they were doing was providing, unfortunately, a death sentence for too many women who didn't have the support and who didn't have the money going into research. They deserve to be heard. We're listening to you, we see you and we support you.