Ted O'Brien (Fairfax, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Political correctness is the enemy of freedom. And what a formidable enemy it is, for it cleverly claims the high moral ground from which it then wields a two-edged sword—one that preys on people's decency and kind heartedness but then bullies people into submission—for its aim is to create a timid mob that thinks, speaks and acts the same. Defiance of political correctness is a defence of freedom. In this country—a proud liberal democracy—we have no more important a foundation principle than freedom. Our forebears fought for it, they died for it, and it is our job now to protect it.

It is within this context that I pay tribute today to Bill Leak—editorial cartoonist with The Australian, who died suddenly less than a fortnight ago. Bill Leak was a great Australian who made us laugh and made us think. To my mind, his defiance of political correctness in defence of freedom of speech will be his enduring legacy. I can only hope, I can only pray, that we in this House who also believe in the importance of freedom will display the same fortitude and moral courage that he did. (Time expired)

Mark Coulton (Parkes, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I warn members that I will not tolerate interjections across the chamber.