Karen Andrews (McPherson, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the condolence motion in respect of the death of Australia's 22nd Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, on 20 March. Malcolm Fraser led the country in a time of great change. While not every decision was applauded, the enduring legacy of many of his decisions is demonstrative of his efforts to truly act in the best interests of Australia.

In a clear demonstration of his connection to the Australian public, he led the Liberal-Country Party coalition to the greatest win in Australian political history, winning 91 seats out of 127 in the House of Representatives. The Australian people had sent a very clear message about what they wanted for their future.

Malcolm Fraser restored economically responsible government and was determined to restore Australia's economic fortunes for future generations.

In my home state of Queensland, Malcolm Fraser declared the Great Barrier Reef area a marine park, prohibited the mining of sand on Fraser Island and banned whaling in Australian waters. Under his leadership five properties were placed on the World Heritage List: the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, the Willandra Lakes, Lord Howe Island and south-west Tasmania.

In building a fairer, safer Australia, Malcolm Fraser established the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Freedom of information laws were enacted, and the Australian Federal Police was established.

Families too benefited from Fraser's time as Prime Minister. The introduction of family allowance provided direct help for mothers and families. The family income supplement was introduced, along with the lone fathers benefit, and the Office of Child Care was established. Pensioners benefited from a new pensioner housing scheme. Their pensions were automatically indexed, and the means test was replaced by a simpler income test.

His multicultural legacy is so deeply woven into the Australian culture that it is impossible to imagine what our communities would look like without his influence. It is fitting that, having just celebrated Harmony Day on 21 March, we reflect on the influence his strong multicultural efforts had on the fabric of our country. He was instrumental in resettling tens of thousands of Vietnamese people in Australia and established the Institute of Multicultural Affairs. The establishment of the special broadcasting system was instrumental in assimilating the many varied cultures with Australia's, and he introduced the child migrant education program. The result today is communities which are rich, vibrant places, and Australia is proudly renowned for its multiculturalism.

Australia is also known for its athletes, and under Malcolm Fraser's leadership the Australian Institute of Sport was established. The AIS is responsible for the delivery of Australia's international sporting success, and approximately 700 athletes now receive scholarships from the institute each year. Thirty-four years after he officially opened the centre, Malcolm Fraser's legacy continues through the hundreds of athletes who have world-class facilities at their fingertips.

And the building we are all proudly standing in today was approved by Malcolm Fraser in 1978.

Malcolm Fraser's prime ministerial role may have come to an end in 1983, but each and every Australian today experiences the ripples of his leadership when they walk down the street, call on the Commonwealth Ombudsman, take a holiday to the reef or cheer Australian athletes at the Olympics. Malcolm Fraser's contribution to our country is humbling, and I am honoured to be able to speak of his legacy today. My thoughts are with his wife, Tamie, and the Fraser family at this time.

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