Phillip Barresi (Deakin, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

At a time when we are engaged in a public debate about what it means to be Australian and what we value as Australians, we are fortunate to be presented with an example of those values in action. In recent weeks we have seen reflection on the life of Steve Irwin and, to my mind, the very values we are struggling to label are embodied there. There is an undoubted pride in rewards for hard work, an absolute commitment to the importance of family—whatever form that may take—an unbreakable connection to the land, a desire to protect the environment and a fervent desire not to take oneself too seriously. These are all attributes that one would certainly identify with Steve Irwin. I thank the member for Fisher, Mr Slipper, for bringing this motion to the House and, while I note that there has been considerable comment made in this chamber and elsewhere about the life of Steve Irwin, it is appropriate to also be debating this motion. This motion asks us to note the immense contribution to environmental protection made by Steve Irwin.

In January this year, I had the opportunity to visit Australia Zoo with my young family, Paul, Carla and David. Like so many other visitors, I was absolutely amazed by what has been created in that area—I had been there a number of times as a kid. The transformation of the environment left me with a great sense of pride knowing that this was our country and that it was being overseen by a man, his family, his extended family and workers who have an absolute passion for all things to do with Australian animals and the environment. Like many visitors, we saw the depth of concern and unmistakeable connection that Steve had with conservation and the environment. I believe that part of his legacy will be the way in which he infected all who saw him work with his enthusiasm for environmental protection.

Steve Irwin’s personal success, the success of Australia Zoo and the concept of Wildlife Warriors did not happen by accident; they were the result of the hard work of so many that were associated with him. That dedication to the cause but, more importantly, to each other has seen his family through some particularly tough times already. I have no doubt that the strength of the Irwin family will remain evident in these their darkest hours.

Steve’s activities raised the profile of environmental issues around the world, but I believe the success of his crusade lies in making the awareness hit home at a local level. Steve’s message, unlike Steve, was quite subtle. It was a variation on the ‘think global, act local’ message of so many environmental campaigners. By travelling around the world and actively engaging his audience in his passion, Steve Irwin became a master salesman—a salesman not for commercial gain but for the protection and preservation of our natural flora and fauna. He became a master salesman for his country too, a country he loved and of which he was justifiably proud. He communicated the message that, although they do not take themselves too seriously, Australians are more than prepared to engage in serious debate about those issues where there is strong feeling.

I have no doubt that as he gained success in the United States there would be some among us who would have felt a pang of that old cultural cringe when confronted by Steve’s enthusiasm and exuberance. It would, I am sure, have been the smallest of minorities as the strength of his message and his infectious belief in the cause would have won most people over in a matter of moments.

In visiting his zoo in January, we were treated to an experience which my children and I will never forget. To interact with wildlife is not something you have the chance to do, I would have thought, in too many other places around the world, let alone Australia. The ability to walk through a paddock with a leopard or a tiger, to handfeed elephants and, dare I say, to hold—and quite frighteningly at one stage—an alligator in my arms are experiences I will never forget. It was all made possible by the expertise, skills and passion that was also evident in the people that worked there.

I would like to take this opportunity, along with everyone else and particularly my family, to offer our sincerest condolences to Terri and her children, Bindi and Robert, all his family and staff.

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