Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to inform the House of a commitment made and a commitment fulfilled by this government today. Out on Federation Mall this morning the Minister for Justice and I announced the important commitment that the coalition government made in 2012 to develop the Australian Search Dog Framework. Luke and Tracy Edwards, who are constituents in my electorate of Wannon, were instrumental in raising awareness of this issue. In May 2012 Luke and Tracy submitted a policy proposal noting the value of skilled volunteer dog teams assisting with emergency management response outcomes. Later that year Luke, Tracy and their dogs walked 1,000 kilometres over 62 days to Canberra from Port Campbell, Victoria, to further raise awareness of this issue.

I was fortunate enough to join them on the final leg of their journey to Parliament House. The walk was an impressive feat—and, I understand, a bit tougher on the Edwards's than on their dogs! I commend the work of the search dogs organisations in building relationships and working together for harmonisation within the Australian search dog community and in getting this framework set up and established. In particular, I commend Luke and Tracy for their efforts in helping to see this policy become a reality—a long walk now over.