Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to talk about a great Aussie bloke, someone I am proud to—

An honourable member: Stand up!

I was not going to speak about myself! A great Aussie bloke, someone I am proud to say I can call a colleague, or at least now a former colleague, and someone, sadly, that I only got the opportunity to serve in this place for two years. Joseph Benedict Hockey entered service in this parliament some 19 years ago. He has served with remarkable distinction. Whilst it is sad to see him leave this place, I hope he will now have more time to spend with his beautiful family—his wife, Melissa, and his children, Xavier, Adelaide and Ignatius—as he embarks upon the next step in his professional life. The now former Prime Minister would often say that each and every one of us in this place is honoured not only to be here but also to be a volunteer in this cause—it is our families who are the conscripts. So to Melissa, to Xavier, to Adelaide and to Ignatius, I say thank you for offering your husband and father to national service.

Joe's story is that of so many Australians: his father was a migrant born in Bethlehem and his parents ran a small business. Joe's election in 1996 capped a promising career in finance and banking. In his first speech, Joe reflected on his personal principles. Unsurprisingly, they are principles that are fundamental to the Liberal Party and they are principles that he has stayed true to ever since his election: the inalienable rights of the individual, a belief in parliamentary democracy, a commitment to improve our society through reform, and equality of opportunity not equality of outcome. These were fundamental pillars for Joe, as they are for our party.

In 1996, Joe reflected on the importance of rebuilding the nation's accounts. Perhaps then he did not know that in 2013 he would be tasked with that role all anew, but as Treasurer. It was a theme he also reflected on, of course, in his valedictory speech some 19 years on. Joe has left an indelible mark on this nation's story, and, whilst he leaves a legacy, he also leaves us with much to do. We should seek to build on Joe's achievements and harness his legacy to propel this nation into a new era of prosperity. As Joe highlighted, we have some significant challenges ahead of us. There is still, as I have said, much to do. We must have the courage to reform and adapt our policies across all areas of government. We must respond to the new realities facing the Australia of today. As Joe continually raised throughout his career, a taxation system needs reform if it is to respond to a 21st century economy. We must seek to lower the income tax so that people and companies are given more incentive to take risks and garner rewards. In the globalised economy in which our high-tech manufacturing and service industries are competing, it is crucial that we do not forget or forgo the opportunity by having exorbitant income tax levels. It is crucial that we encourage the next wave of business and entrepreneurs to set up shop in our beautiful country. As Joe so wisely asserted, they will not do that in the face of unnecessarily high taxation.

Joe was faced, following his appointment as Treasurer in 2013, with the massive task of getting our nation's finances in order. It is crucial that we continue his fiscal reforms. Whilst we enjoy an excellent quality of life, we cannot continue to commit intergenerational theft. As we continue to overspend, we are taking resources from our children and, indeed, our grandchildren. The actions Joe Hockey took as Treasurer and, indeed, throughout his parliamentary career, worked towards rectifying this unconscionable state of affairs. Perhaps one of Joe's most important contributions was his articulation of the age of entitlement in which Australia finds itself. In his final speech he noted the steps we have already taken to remedy our financial position, which sees us taking money from our children tomorrow, borrowing to pay for consumption today. Joe strove to deliver a fair and sustainable distribution of resources that would insulate our quality of life without suffocating it for future generations. Whilst Joe's message was a difficult one, it was a necessary one.

To some extent, Joe, like he did when he played rugby, took the hits for the team. Joe's commitment, resolve and inspirational message continue to be relevant, and his legacy is clear. He faced a hard task: spending less is always much harder than spending more. Joe did not shirk his responsibility, and I think that should never be forgotten. There is a still a significant amount that we will have to do if we are going to wind back the unsustainable welfare system that we have allowed to develop in this country. The age of entitlement must end if we are to maintain our pursuit of prosperity. There is no doubt Joe Hockey articulated this challenge, and he should be lauded for his resolve. Even in his valedictory speech, Joe continued to make many full contributions to the national debate, and I am sure he will continue to do so in the future. His voice will be sorely missed in this place.

Not only did Joe make significant progress towards reducing spending, he also announced a historic small business package. His belief in Australian small business, no doubt informed by his parents' experiences, was absolutely infectious, and his optimism for the future was palpable. This year's budget was perhaps the best for small business in our nation's history. As Joe said, it was all about tax cuts, not more government spending. Joe exemplified the Liberal Party way. He backed small business to grow. Measures he introduced through our small business package saw small business regain confidence, the confidence it needs to grow. It was through these measures that small businesses across the country returned to employing young Australians in greater and greater numbers. It was measures introduced by Joe that delivered more choices for Aussie farmers. It was measures introduced by Joe that gave families chances, through better child care, to seize previously unachievable opportunities. By giving small business the space it needs to succeed, we grow and strengthen our economy. Joe knew that and everyone in this place does, too. We are now seeing those dividends from Joe's investment, and we will see them long into the future.

Not bad: from a family-run small business to Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia. Joe's journey is one which is an inspiration to all Australians. But I must say it is a massive disappointment, because I had always planned to have Joe Hockey in my electorate to call bingo at Murray Bridge. I just thought that the nation's leading bean counter calling bingo in a small country town would be a great thing. Maybe he will do that once he completes his obligations for the nation elsewhere. I suppose it is an open invitation to Joe. If he ever wants to join me in Murray Bridge to call bingo at the local hotel, I am sure they will have him.

Once the haze that permeates the often opaque realm of politics disperses, I know the Australian people will recognise Joe's industry and his achievements. In an interview shortly after his election as Treasurer, Joe was asked what he wanted to do as Treasurer. He took the opportunity to act on his first words in this place. He said that he wanted to make a contribution and that he wanted to repay the debt that he owed Australia. To Joe and his family: I think the debt is well and truly paid and paid with interest. I thank Joe for his service to this nation and I wish him every success in his future endeavours. He will certainly be missed, but I doubt that he will be forgotten.

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