Peter Khalil (Wills, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

He also served as executive director of the Lowy Institute think tank for many years, and he was an honorary professor at the ANU. That's a very impressive list of his service, but it doesn't really capture the importance of Allan's contribution to Australia's place in the world.

He was of course deeply respected by his colleagues, and it wasn't just because of his contribution and his intellect; it was also because he was such a lovely and generous person. He was a kind man, a good man, mild-mannered and softly spoken, but what he had to say was so incisive and so sharp. His critical analysis was so sharp and relevant that it was really a contrast to his manner in some respects. He was generous with his time and advice to colleagues and to very junior officers. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with him, particularly when I was starting out in foreign policy and defence policy work. He didn't have to spend that time with me, but I know for a fact that he spent a lot of his time with many young Australians who were working their way through the Public Service and gave his wise counsel, advice, guidance and mentorship.

He will be deeply missed not just amongst the foreign policy community or the national security community in the Public Service but broadly right across the Australian community, because he actually impacted many lives for the better through the work that he did.

It was actually a very shocking surprise when we heard of his passing. It happened very, very quickly. My understanding is that within five weeks of his diagnosis he passed away. But I also heard that he was very philosophical about his situation. I think he said something like, 'The entry cost of life is death.' He was very philosophical. He was very reflective. He said he didn't have a small family he was leaving behind, and he'd had a full life. It's really a credit to the man that he was so calm and so generous and giving even in his last weeks on this earth.

I want to give my heartfelt condolences to Allan's family, his children, his wife and his friends—and there are many of them right across the community. Rest in peace, Allan Gyngell.

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