Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Peter Walsh was a true son of Labor. He was an outstanding member of parliament. He had the respect of both sides of parliament. He was a first-class finance minister. He had social justice values and was a true advocate and champion for Western Australia and the nation. He was somebody the ALP is extremely proud of. He was an integral part of the Hawke Labor government and he has left an indelible mark on the Australian nation.

I can remember sitting at conferences alongside someone who was perhaps the greatest sceptic in the Labor Party within my area. We were at Parramatta and he was analysing every single thing that was said. After hearing Peter Walsh speak, he said, 'That's the most sense I've heard spoken by any person.' That common sense approach really marked Peter Walsh's approach to politics and to life. He will always be remembered in Labor circles for the fantastic contribution he made to Australia. With that short contribution, I want to pay my respects to his family and thank them for giving him to the Australian parliament for the time he was here and say that he will always be remembered for his contribution.

See this speech in context