Pat Conroy (Shortland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to two giants of manufacturing in my home Hunter region, Rose and Rod Murphy. Sadly, Rod passed away earlier this year, but the magnificent business he developed with his beloved wife continues to grow and expand. The Hunter has a proud history of manufacturing, and R&R Murphy—Rose's and Rod's company—is a shining example of innovative advanced manufacturing. I've had the opportunity to visit the firm a few times. It's at Gateshead in my electorate. I am so proud there is such a thriving forward-looking business in Shortland.

R&R Murphy is a quality provider in metal fabrication that specialises in areas as diverse as transport, defence, mining and architecture. They literally run the gamut, from advanced manufacturing in the mines to solar powered coffee carts. They can do everything. The Hunter region is synonymous with BHP and manufacturing. Sadly, BHP closed down 20 years ago, so our region depends on high-skilled jobs that advanced manufacturing provides, and R&R Murphy is leading the way.

I want to acknowledge and thank HunterNet, a network of manufacturing and engineering specialists, who recently renamed their Chairman's Award for Innovation as the Rod Murphy Innovation Award—a very fitting tribute. R&R Murphy are the future of the Hunter. They can manufacture anything. They provide great specialist services. And I want to pass on my condolences and the condolences of every member of my community to Rose on the sad passing of Rod.