Stephen Jones (Whitlam, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

What a sad occasion. I want to start by, in the most genuine way, associating myself with all the wonderful tributes that have been given by members of the House on both sides in this condolence debate this evening. The Prime Minister, the minister for skills—there wasn't a dry eye in the House when the member for Jagajaga was giving her address. There were wonderful words from the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Melbourne, and just now from the minister for disability services—eloquent, heartfelt, wonderful words, and a great tribute to our friend and comrade.

I've thought a lot about what I'd say because I wanted to make this about Peta. I couldn't help thinking about the first time I met Peta back in 2015. It was in a pub in Melbourne. She'd not long been preselected as the candidate for Melbourne, and I liked her instantly. I liked her instantly. Those of us who have grown up in a strong, Irish, working-class matriarchy—you kind of recognise it straight up. Peta was that. There's a brassy earthiness about it. You're never left wondering. Whip smart, funny, principled: I liked everything about her. She was warm. She was funny. She was tough and whip smart. We shared a passion for the law, for legal representation, for advocacy, for policy and for the rights and representation of people who were unloved and unrepresented. And that, in public life, can sometimes take a lot of courage—particularly the unloved. But she saw the importance of ensuring that everyone had representation before the law.

As I was walking through the corridors to give this tribute here, I was reminded of a speech I gave a little over a year ago. It was in the course of the debate around the religious discrimination bill. I don't know why, but, before walking into the chamber, I showed Peta a copy of the speech that I was going to give. For me it was a really difficult and emotional moment. I'd just lost a nephew, and my son was angry and distressed and upset that we in this place were dissecting his identity as part of the political process. I remember I was showing this speech to Peta—and you'll forgive me, Deputy Speaker, if I repeat word for word what she said. She just looked at me with shock and said, 'Oh fuck,' and moved immediately. I didn't know it; I came in to give the speech and I looked around and Peta had organised—I know I've offended the standing orders, but I'll push on—

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