Michael Ronaldson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on the occasion of the death of Malcolm Fraser. Unlike some others, I will use my contribution to reflect and not for de facto political purposes—I have found that disappointing in some contributions today. Former Prime Ministers should be treated differently from the rest of us in public life. They have held the highest office in this land and, irrespective of our personal judgement of them, the office they hold demands our respect and those individuals who have held that office must also command our respect.

The rift between Malcolm and our party is a matter of great sadness. He had done so much for the party as opposition leader and then as Prime Minister, fighting the Labor Party, and similarly the Liberal Party had given Malcolm an opportunity to hold the high office he did. Like many of us, I fervently hoped that Malcolm's obvious angst with the party could have been played out behind closed doors, as former Labor PMs seem to be able to do. But, alas, that was not to be. Therefore, I want to reflect on far happier days.

I remember, as a young man, going to the Ballarat Civic Hall for my first political rally. I rather suspect that I had no idea why I was going, but it was a memorable experience that I will not forget. Malcolm was fundamentally a country boy. He was happiest when he was with those that he trusted—those with whom he had shared experiences. He was held in very, very deep affection, as the member for Wannon, by the people of Wannon and by many of us who live outside Melbourne. He was a frequent visitor to Ballarat. As I say, he was at his most comfortable when he was with country people.

There have been some terrific contributions today, and I do not want to repeat what has been said, but I want to talk about Tamie and the children. I have met the children over a number of years—not recently—but I want to talk about Tamie Fraser. She is someone that I have always admired and someone that I hold in the highest regard. This is a terrible loss for her and the family. Tamie is just one of those people—it does not matter who she has come in contact with over the years; I am sure everyone would share my views of her. She is a warm, engaging, caring, amusing and loyal person. I extend my deepest condolences to Tamie and to the family. This was a life that was taken early, but, nonetheless, I think, on any set of criteria, it was a life that was led to the fullest. I thank the chamber for the opportunity to speak today.