Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about a person I am honoured to call a friend, a friend who has over five decades made contribution after contribution to our community. I speak, of course, of Patrick John Daley. If any of you have not been subjected to a Pat Daley phone call yet, you don't know what you're missing. Reminiscent of a verbal blitzkrieg, it is short and sharp and ends with the words, 'Right, we've covered all the issues and I'm going back to the bunker.' So when on Australia Day he received a Medal of the Order of Australia my only surprise was that he had not been awarded it several decades ago. His contributions include being a member of the National Advisory Council on Alcohol and Drugs and a management committee member of the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and having roles with the Salvation Army. Pat was an officer in the New South Wales Police Force and was one of the driving forces behind the establishment and operation of Neighbourhood Watch.

While Pat has been off saving the world, his wife, Alana, has been quietly educating many of the children of the Northern Beaches as a teacher and principal in numerous schools. Patrick, congratulations on your award. Even though I know you don't care about recognition, we care and appreciate all that you have done.