John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Williams. I am sure he would know the words. The lyrics are known to so many Australians:

The late George Woolnough worked on High Street and lived on manners

Fifty-two years he sat on his veranda, and made his saddles

And if you had questions about sheep or flowers or dogs

You'd just asked the saddler, he lived without sin

They're building a library for him

And then it goes on to those very famous lines that not only all senators but so many Australians know:

Time is a traveller

Tenterfield saddler

Turn your head

Ride again Jackaroo

Think I see kangaroo up ahead

Peter Allen began his performing career as one half of the popular 1960s cabaret and television act the Allen Brothers, with Chris Bell. In the 1970s, Peter Allen released his own solo recordings but achieved fame with smash hits he composed being recorded by others. Stars such as Olivia Newton-John, Dusty Springfield and Frank Sinatra were among many that covered Peter Allen's work to very great acclaim. Peter Allen won an Academy Award for Arthur's Theme in 1981. He was a musician and entertainer of immense talent. He was a great showman and he was a great ambassador for our country. I much admire Peter Allen's courage as a visible gay identity at a time when this was taboo. But like Brett Whitley he died far too early. Peter Allen's final performance was in Sydney on 26 January 1992—a truly memorable Australia Day for many. Peter Allen was 48 years of age when he passed away, but his music lives on.

I hope that this month, 20 years after their deaths, Australians will remember the lives, the art and the legacy of both Brett Whiteley and Peter Allen.

Senate adjourned at 22:27