Trevor Evans (Brisbane, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's important to sometimes pause and reflect on the efforts of those who make our country a better place. I wish to recognise some very worthy Brisbane residents who received awards in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Dr Robert Riddell is now an Officer of the Order of Australia for, quite literally, helping build Brisbane. He designed some of Brisbane's most iconic landmarks, including Brisbane City Hall and Customs House. Wallace Bishop is now a Member of the Order of Australia. Wal was recognised for his contribution to the retail sector, where I was privileged to work with him in the National Retail Association. He founded the Queensland Surf Life Saving Foundation, a Queensland icon.

On the topic of saving lives, Professor Anthony Brown has been awarded for his service as a clinician, author and educator in emergency medicine. Today he works as a senior specialist at the RBWH and he is now a Member of the Order of Australia. Geoffrey Batkin, someone I run into everywhere around Brisbane, is now a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to our community through social and aged welfare organisations such as Wesley Mission Queensland and UnitingCare. Michael Solomon was recognised with the medal of the Order of Australia for his leadership of the Jewish community, for his work for the Rotary Club of Albion and as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight.

On behalf of the Brisbane community, we extend our thanks and our recognition to these awardees for helping to make our city the great place it is today.