Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence: I wish to express condolences on the loss of lives of Robert Wilson and Kevin Marshall, who were both killed in a head-on car collision on Tuesday, 15 September. Kevin Marshall, from Orange, died in hospital that night after the accident. Robert Wilson was killed following his attendance at the inaugural meeting of the Regional Development Australia Central West Committee in Orange, and I think, therefore, it appropriate for us to acknowledge his passing.

Robert Wilson was appointed to the RDA Central West committee by the federal and New South Wales governments on 6 August 2009. He was a longstanding and highly regarded leader in the community of Parkes, serving the regional community of Parkes with distinction for over 40 years, including 23 years as Mayor of Parkes. He played an integral role in developing Parkes as a transport hub and national freight distribution centre. This has been critical to the economic and employment sustainability of the Parkes region.

In 1997 he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his service to local government and the community of Parkes. In recognition of his significant contribution to his local community, Mr Wilson was named Parkes Shire Citizen of the Year in 2008. He received the AR Bluett Memorial Award in 1987 and a National Award for Innovation in Local Government in 1991 and 1996. Robert Wilson was a fine role model who served his community with dedication and distinction. He will be sorely missed by this community. I extend the deepest sympathies of the House to Mrs Wilson, Trudy and Ben, and to the family of Kevin Marshall.

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