Glenn Lazarus (Queensland, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to pay my respects to the Rt Hon. John Malcolm Fraser and to support the condolence motion. I was only nine years old when Malcolm Fraser was sworn in as the caretaker Prime Minister as a result of Governor-General Sir John Kerr's dismissal of Whitlam as the Prime Minister on 11 November 1975.

As a very young Australian I was somewhat immune to the drama of politics and of course political life but still remember my parents talking about the Dismissal as though it was a very significant issue in the lives of many Australians. In fact, I was 17 years of age during the 1983 election, Mr Fraser's last election campaign, and therefore was not of voting age during the time Mr Fraser was in office. Today as a senator for Queensland I do appreciate the significance of what happened in 1975 but, more importantly, I also appreciate the challenges that Mr Fraser must have faced and the courage he showed in leading the country from 1975 to 1983.

Not long after I started in this place, I walked into my office and I was told that a Mr Malcolm Fraser wanted me to ring him. When I came to my senses, I thought: why would the great man Malcolm Fraser be ringing me? I did ring him, and he wanted to talk to me to share his passion for human rights and the need for Australia to embrace people in need. He was concerned by the way Australia was treating asylum seekers and how this was impacting Australia's reputation across the world. It was an absolute honour to receive a call from Mr Fraser, and I told him so. As a long-time Carlton Football Club supporter and member myself, it was also a great honour to receive a call from Carlton's No. 1 ticket holder.

Australia has lost a courageous man. Australia has lost a good man. I am saddened by the passing of Mr Fraser. My thoughts go out to Mr Fraser's wife, Tamie, and their children, family and friends during this difficult time. Thank you.