Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I stand with great pride and admiration to join in celebrating the exceptional achievements of those who have been included on the Australia Day honours list. These honours are a symbol of high distinction, awarded to those whose contribution to community and to country have made a long-lasting and significant impact. They're an acknowledgement of great service to others and a devotion to the betterment of the society around them. After all, that's what it takes to make this Australian nation—a nation of freedom and opportunity even in tough times. As Australians, we strive to better ourselves while supporting others. Mateship is an intrinsic part of Australian society. Aussies have each other's backs. It is the sense of community, shared experience, mutual respect and unconditional assistance that sets us apart. We all share a stake in this nation's future. We all have a responsibility to each other and to future generations to preserve our way of life and to build on the great Australian success story that is founded in unity.

To this end, to those formally recognised on Australia Day for their contribution to their local community and our nation, I say thank you. Thank you for the enormous contribution each of you has made to strengthen our community and uphold our Australian values.

With seven out of 732 honours and awards going to people in the electorate of Barker, it's fair to say we're punching above our weight. I often speak in this place about the amazing people that make the communities in my part of the world amongst the greatest in the nation. These people include Dr David Mills AM, who was honoured for significant service to medicine through international development and rural and remote health education; Mr David Botting, who was honoured for services to agriculture and the community of Millicent; Mrs Wendy Gambling, who was honoured for services to netball as an administrator; Mrs Cheryle Pedler, who was honoured for services to community through a range of roles and organisations; Mr Peter Squires, who was honoured for services to community history; Mr Alfred Wilkinson, who was honoured for service to the communities of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Barossa Valley; and, finally, Mr Matthew Staples, who was honoured for distinguished service as a correctional services member. I commend these remarkable individuals and the legacy they're building for future generations of their fellow Australians, and I thank them for the enormous contribution each and every one of them made to strengthen our community and uphold our Australian values. To them I say: thank you for your dedication. You continue to inspire me and, indeed, others. May we follow in your footsteps, contributing to a fairer, a stronger and, most importantly, a united Australia.