Russell Matheson (Macarthur, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I also rise to associate myself with the Prime Minister's condolence remarks on the tragic loss of Phillip Hughes. Today as we mourn the loss of one of Australia's finest sporting talents, we also pay tribute to his life. Phillip Hughes was a humble and decent man from Macksville in northern New South Wales. He was raised on his parents' banana farm and always stayed true to his country roots. From a very young age it was clearly apparent that Phillip had a prodigious talent for cricket. At nine years old, he was playing representative cricket for the north coast and by 12 was already playing A-grade cricket.

Phillip's dream of playing cricket for a living did not come without its sacrifices. At 17, he left his family and friends in northern New South Wales and moved to Sydney to play professionally. However, Phillip did not have to wait long to get his chance to play for his new team. On 20 November 2007, at 18, he made his first-class debut with the Blues against Tasmania at the SCG, becoming the state's youngest debutant since Michael Clarke. Three months later in February 2008, Phillip went on to become the youngest player ever to score a century in a Sheffield Shield final, subsequently winning the New South Wales Rising Star Award. The following year, in 2009, while on his debut tour with the Australian Cricket Team in South Africa, Phillip scored back-to-back centuries against the Proteas in Durban. Phillip was 20 years old, the youngest ever player in test cricket to score two centuries. This historic achievement helped Australia to a surprise series victory and, in doing so, the boy from Macksville had grabbed the world's attention. Unfortunately, Phillip was bowled out by England in 2010-11 Ashes, for which he lost his place in the national side. In the ensuing years, he was constantly in and out of the test team but he refused to give up, proving that he had both the patience and the mental fortitude to play at the highest level. Phillip bided his time, listened to advice and worked hard on aspects of his game that needed improvement. Yet, last week, just as selectors looked set to finally give Phillip another call-up for his country, his life was cut tragically short in a freak accident at the SCG.

As we struggle to come to terms with this terrible loss, I am reminded of the Prime Minister's comments that this was a young man living out his dream. He was doing what he loved until his final breath, and for that we should be truly grateful. The energy and spirit he showed both on and off the field throughout his life should be an example to us all. At just 25, Phillip had already set the cricketing world alight with his precious and daring talent. Everyone who knew him speaks of a man who would go out of his way to help others and who always had a positive attitude no matter what was a thrown at him, and he never gave up on his dream. Phillip Hughes is a lesson to us all.

Finally I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincerest condolences to Phillip's friends and family as they pay their final respects today. The Macarthur cricket community, along with the rest of the country, mourn your loss. You remain in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I would also like to say to Sean Abbott that each and every one of us pray that you do not in any way hold yourself responsible for what happened last week. I look forward to seeing you back on the field, as Phillip would have wished. Phillip Hughes, you will always remain 63 not out. You will be sadly missed but forever remembered. May you rest in peace.

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