Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I use this first parliamentary opportunity to rise in response to the arrest of a 20-year-old Western Australian man who now stands charged with preparing for a terrorist attack. This was not idle online rhetoric. It is alleged the individual drafted a manifesto outlining plans for a racist, nationalist act of violence extremism designed to cause mass casualties. The targets, authorities will allege, included mosques in Western Australia, WA police headquarters and Parliament House—places of worship; public servants; the very institution at the heart of our democracy in my home state; many communities; many faiths.

White supremacist ideology and violent extremism are abhorrent and have no place in Western Australia or in Australia, and nor does anything seeking to divide, to intimidate and to instil fear. I commend, like others have, the swift and coordinated work of WA police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO. Their actions have ensured that there is no ongoing threat to the community and have protected Western Australians from what could have been devastating results. Whatever our differences of faith, background or political belief, every Australian has the right to live, to worship and to work, free from fear. We must stand united, always, in defence about democracy, our freedoms and the rule of law.

This evening, I would like to acknowledge the outstanding service of Councillor Karen Chappel AM, JP, as she steps down as President of the Western Australian Local Government Association. Karen's contributions to local government span more than two decades. Elected to the Shire of Morawa in 2005, and serving as its president from 2009, she has been a steadfast advocate for regional communities and for the vital role local government plays in the lives of Western Australians. Her election as WALGA Deputy President in 2020 and then President in 2022 came at a time of significant challenge for councils across the state. She led with steadiness, collaboration and a genuine care for the sector. WALGA's role in supporting councils and advocating to both state and federal governments is critical, and Karen has strengthened its voice. Her leadership has always reflected her country roots—practical, resilient and outcome focused.

Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2023, her service to local government and the Morawa community has been rightly recognised. She has also contributed nationally as Deputy President of the Australian Local Government Association, and as a mentor to elected members across Western Australia. Colleagues speak of her authenticity and her commitment to encouraging women in regional Western Australia to step forward and to lead. Her advice—to believe in yourself, embrace opportunity and stand up for what is right—captures her spirit and her leadership. On behalf of Western Australia I thank Karen Chappel for her integrity, dedication and enduring service, and wish her well for the future.

Just last week I joined His Excellency the Governor of Western Australia, Mr Chris Dawson, at the funeral of Mr Dave Scott. We did so as private citizens, to honour a remarkable but humble legacy. Dave Scott, a much-loved member of our community, passed away peacefully on 4 February. He was a man—a humble man—who truly lived a large and generous life.

Dave served with the 2nd Battalion in Vietnam. The war left a deep mark on him; yet, with courage and support, he came to stand proudly as a veteran. For more than a decade, he delivered the Anzac address at Emmanuel Christian Community School in Girrawheen, helping young Australians understand sacrifice, mateship and service, and it was his regular appearance at these events where I got to know Dave and his wife, Sue.

In civilian life, Dave was the person who got things done, from helping to build the Fun Factory playground in Karawara, thinking outside the box and backing young people, to mentoring athletes, singing in the Spirit of the Streets Choir and gathering his friends and neighbours around his table for spirited debate, Dave strengthened community wherever he stood and acted. Volunteers like Dave are the quiet backbone of our nation. They build communities, coach our kids, lead our community groups and create spaces of belonging—often without recognition but with enormous impact.

Despite illness, Dave always remained positive and determined. Above all, he was devoted to Sue; his daughters, Kylee and Jodi; and his grandchildren. Dave Scott was simply a good man who left this world better for having been here.