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

On 31 July we lost Les Murray. He was a giant of football, yes, but as a person he was so much more: a loving partner to Cidinha; a loving father to his two daughters; a wonderful mate to his friends like Craig Foster—'Fozz'—and all his friends at SBS; a journalist of renown; a superb professional broadcaster, the best of his generation; a refugee; a migrant; a passionate advocate of multiculturalism; a Member of the Order of Australia. I got to know him while I worked at SBS. We became good friends, forging a bond over our shared passion and love for football, but he also generously shared with me the knowledge and the wisdom he accumulated over decades. He showed me kindness and made me laugh with his sometimes salty humour. I will miss him so much: his irreverence, his wit, his infectious laughter, his passion for and knowledge of the game he loved, the world game—the game he did so much to do promote to the magnificent heights of shared passion among his fellow Australians.

I am so pleased that the New South Wales government has offered him and his family a state funeral. Bill Shorten, in calling for a state funeral last week, said:

Les is a national icon who did so much to grow the world game and to champion multicultural Australia. He deserves nothing less than the full symphony of tribute and respect.

My love and condolences go out to his family and friends. My thoughts are with you all. He was, I know, so important to you, such an important part of your lives, and you all know that he was an important part of this nation's life. Not just the football community but the whole nation mourns his passing. Goodbye Lesomundo, my friend. Thank you for all you have done for football and for the people you have informed, delighted, entertained and loved over a wonderful life. Vale Les Murray.