Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I commend the previous speaker for his words and also those of the previous speakers who went before him. I was one of those Australians who picked up a Bryce Courtenay novel and are all the better for it. My favourite book in life is ThePower of One. It is a book which, as a young man, grabbed me and I just loved it. I thought it was fantastic. It is loosely based on his own life and upbringing but, to me, it is a story that is told with perfection. It struck me when I read it—and it has never, ever left me—how the young 'Peekay' earned respect in life. He had to overcome extreme hardship, poverty and cruelty, yet he was so determined. He had that inner strength and inner belief and was absolutely determined to get through it all and to achieve.

Ultimately, the way he was able to do this was through his boxing. The description of the boxing matches in that book never, ever leave you. The descriptions of the combination punches that ultimately enabled him to overcome everything that was thrown against him were inspirational. It is a fantastic book. As I said, it is my favourite book. I wanted to come here tonight to the chamber to say thank you to Bryce Courtenay for writing such a book.

As has been told by the previous speaker, the member for Fraser, in his little YouTube clip Bryce Courtenay thanks those Australians and those people across the world who picked up his books and read them. I would like to say thanks to him for writing his books and, in particular, ThePower of One. It has had a big influence on my life and, I think, on many people's lives. He was a great storyteller, he was a great author. He has left a legacy with his books, which will mean his life is remembered in time immortal. Thank you very much, Bryce Courtenay.

Federation Chamber adjourned at 19:19

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