Craig Laundy (Reid, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the members who have allowed me to talk briefly, following the member for Greenway's emotional words, about Michael Maher. I want to concur completely with what she had to say about him. Michael Maher was my family's member of federal parliament, and he was a good man. In the spirit of bipartisanship, there are great people on both sides of this House, and he really was one of them.

I did not know Michael—I knew of him—but I had the honour of attending his funeral, and I came away from that funeral feeling that I did know him. I think that is testimony to the strength of his faith and his belief in his family. I listened to his four children give eulogies that day and I was moved to tears not knowing him.

I remember him being called the 'minister for bus stops', which Michelle made reference to. He was just a great local member. He was there if you needed to talk to him. As I travelled through my electorate, doorknocking in my quest to come to this place, I was told time after a time stories of his days as the member for Lowe.

I reiterate the words of Michelle and add my voice to the condolences to his wife, Margaret, and the children. It was touching to be there with them to celebrate the great life that it was. May he rest in peace.

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