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

I stand today to pay tribute to Alby Schultz, a great man of conviction who always had his family and his community at heart. I came to this parliament in 2010 and I really appreciated Alby's friendship, his company, his advice and the mentoring he gave me when I first arrived here—it was a hung parliament. It was invaluable for me to go forward as a federal politician. I have to say that I did not share his views on the Nationals, but obviously I have never been caught up in a three-cornered contest. I have a lot of friends in the Nationals, and we are a coalition.

Alby retired from his 33-year career in politics in 2013, following a diagnosis with liver cancer. Alby was a towering figure in the federal parliament. He commanded as much admiration and respect in this chamber as he did in his community. Alby was a true conviction politician and always spoke from the heart. He stood up for what he believed in, even if it brought the wrath of the powers that be. He was a tenacious man with a fearless heart and he will be sorely missed.

We have heard many warmly remembered stories of Alby's days in this chamber as one of the federal parliament's great characters. Whether friend or foe, Alby touched the hearts of many here. Alby's passing was a devastating loss to the Hume community and to this place. My thoughts and prayers are with Alby's wife Glo, and their family. I was privileged to know Alby through our shared community of the Wollondilly Shire, which both Hume and Macarthur border. He was a formidable neighbour to have; he was much loved and respected in the community, as is Glo, his lovely wife, and their two sons, Grant and Dean.

One of the most poignant memories I have of Alby is the work he did during the droughts, where he and Gloria personally collected and delivered drought relief packages to farmers in his electorate.

Alby was also a fierce advocate for the Lone Fathers Association, as he saw the impact firsthand: the pressure that drought placed on farming families, the separations and family breakups that all too often followed. Alby was committed to helping families through this, particularly fathers, who after the stress of losing a farm, also lost their families.    I distinctly remember a story that demonstrated to me Alby and Glo's love and commitment to their community: they received a call from a worried relative that a young man in the community was considering suicide. It was 2am, and they both jumped in the car and drove to this young man's house and stayed with him until he was okay. That was their compassion and dedication to their community, and they shared it together.

Alby was a fighter in politics and in life. He never gave up—whether it was helping a local farmer, assisting a family or, indeed, his own health. He held on until the very end with great dignity. Alby had a long and difficult battle with cancer; however, his focus was still squarely on his family and his community. Just weeks before his passing, he was passionately advocating to help men with prostate cancer.

I have always been a great admirer of Alby. He started his working life as a meatworker, working his way up into management. However, he never once forgot his origins as a working man. He was, as my colleagues before me have said, as comfortable in an abattoir as he was in the corridors of power. That character in him touches me deeply. Starting his political career in local government as a councillor on Cootamundra Shire Council, Alby quickly rose in politics, winning the 1988 election to become the New South Wales state member for Burrinjuck Alby served in the New South Wales parliament for 10 years before being elected to represent Hume in 1998.

I was reading through Alby's maiden speech today, when contemplating this speech, and two paragraphs stood out and sum up who I believe Alby to be as a man and a politician. I quote the great man, Alby Schultz:

I am simply saying that I do not subscribe to political correctness. I intend to defend the mainstream family values which have been pushed aside for political expediency; and I will never compromise my principles, honesty and integrity, no matter the cost.

Alby went on to say:

I seek no favours and I ask only that my rural constituency be given a 'fair go'. Should there be any occasions during my time in this place when my constituents are penalised because of any action undertaken by me on their behalf, then I will vigorously respond on their behalf accordingly.

Alby was just that. He was a fierce advocate and defender of the family, but, importantly, he fought tooth and nail for families in the bush and regional Australia.

Alby was never one to walk away from a task that was too hard, or one that might get him out of favour with the government, and even at times with his own party. Alby never sought to gain national fame or attention, however he certainly received it in the lead-up to the privatisation of Telstra when he was a vocal critic of the Howard government's plans as he was gravely concerned about the impacts on families in the bush. More recently, Alby was a staunch advocate for rural families suffering from the health effects created by nearby wind farms. When no-one else would go near the topic, Alby met with families, did research and looked into the issue then advocated strongly for the victims. His actions have helped to keep discussions about the possible health impacts of wind farms on the national agenda. I am sure he will be looking down to see what occurs in the future.

As strong a warrior as Alby was, he also had a gentle heart and a huge soft spot for his five grandchildren, of whom he would speak often. They were the apple of his eye and he was immensely proud of them. Alby was also very close to his two sons Grant and Dean, who he always referred to as mates rather than sons, and he cherished his two lovely daughters in law.

I never cease to be amazed at how many people in my electorate of Macarthur have fond memories of Alby and Glo—because when you got Alby, you can be sure that you got Glo as well. Together they were a great and formidable team—Alby and Glo. I can remember on a couple of occasions in my electorate when I first got elected some people said, 'We are here to see you, Glo—Alby, you be quiet!' It is with great sadness that we say vale Alby, who was truly an inspirational man. I look up to Alby in many ways, particularly for his tenacity, or, as he would put it, being a tough old bugger. Nothing could stop Alby when he was on the warpath—well, to be honest, only Glo. Gloria was the steady hand for Alby, always supporting him, always helping and always at his side. I would like to pass on my condolences to Alby's wife Glo, their two sons Grant and Dean and their wives, and Alby's five grandchildren. His passing has left a gaping hole in their hearts as it has in the Hume community and in the hearts of all Australians.

See this speech in context