Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today, in the House, we heard two incredible contributions that honour the remarkable achievements of the Hon. Thomas Hughes, AO, KC. The contributions were made by the Prime Minister and the honourable Peter Dutton, followed up by the member for Berowra. The funniest part of the contribution today—and it would be remiss of me not to enter it into this contribution—was when all three speeches referenced rioters picketing outside the front of the honourable Tom Hughes's place, where he met them with a cricket bat to settle any argument. I draw the attention of the House to those comments made today.

I also acknowledge the members who have joined us in the public gallery. I want to acknowledge former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his wife, Lucy, who join family members as special guests to hear the contributions. It's a great pleasure for me to offer a few remarks on the passing of such a remarkable Australian. Tom was a man of principle, intellect and unwavering dedication. Tom's impact on our nation and its legal profession and public life is both profound and enduring.

Born in Rose Bay in 1923, in New South Wales, Tom's journey was one of service, excellence and commitment. From his early days as a student of Saint Ignatius' College Riverview—which is a good school, by the way; they reckon they can tell you the man when they see the boy at eight years old—and the University of Sydney to his courageous service as a Royal Australian Air Force pilot during World War II, he demonstrated an unrelenting sense of duty. His recognition with the French Legion d'honneur for his role in Operation Overlord stands as a testament to his bravery and contribution to global history.

Tom also had a distinguished career in law which saw him rise to become one of Sydney's most esteemed barristers. One of the comments today from the member for Berowra was that he was defending Menzies in one state jurisdiction and prosecuting him here on something unrelated in the ACT, such was his skillset in demand by all and sundry for high-profile cases. He fought for justice fiercely, appearing in high-profile cases that shaped legal precedent and upheld the rule of law. As president of the New South Wales Bar Association, he was a leader amongst his peers, admired for both his sharp mind and his unwavering integrity.

His service to the nation further extended beyond the courtroom. As a member of the House of Representative, as the member for Parkes and later for Berowra, and as the Attorney-General in the Gorton government, Tom was a stalwart of the Liberal Party, committed to fairness, reform and progress. His contributions to Australian law and politics have left a lasting imprint on our nation's story.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom was a devoted family man, mentor and friend. We heard both sides of this House today refer to the love and devotion that he had for his family, for the commitment that he had for his community. He cherished his family, and his legacy lives on through them—his children, his grandchildren and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Tom was, in every sense, a great Australian.

His passing at the remarkable age of 101 marks the end of an extraordinary era. Fellow members, we can only hope and pray that God delivers us the health and the capacity and the wisdom to live to 101. It is an extraordinary contribution.

But, while we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well lived, a life dedicated to service, excellence and the pursuit of justice. On half of all those whose lives he touched, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. May they, through these speeches, find comfort in knowing that Tom's legacy will continue to inspire all of us in this parliament. His contributions will continue to inspire all those that remember his legacy in the legal profession.

Rest in peace, Tom Hughes OA KC. Thank you for your service, your wisdom and your unwavering commitment to our wonderful nation, Australia. Rest in peace, my friend.

Zoe McKenzie (Flinders, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand it is the wish of honourable members to signify at this stage their respect and sympathy by rising in their places.

Honourable members having stood in their places—

The DEPUTY SPEAKER :  I thank the Chamber.

Sam Lim (Tangney, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That further proceedings be conducted in the House.

Question agreed to.

Federation Chamber adjourned at 16:19