Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to associate the Nationals with this motion and offer my condolences to the family and friends of the late Robert 'Bob' George Halverson. Others have covered many of the public details of Bob's life before he entered parliament, so I will not go over those comments, but I do think it is important to repeat and recognise his commitment to the Royal Australian Air Force, which he joined in 1956. Throughout 25 years of service, Bob rose through the ranks to achieve the position of group captain, and it was in this role that he was recognised as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1978. This is an honour I know that his family would be very proud of.

Post service, Mr Halverson threw his hat in the political ring and contested the marginal seat of Casey, in Melbourne's outer east, in the 1984 federal election. In his first speech, Mr Halverson clearly articulated his primary priority in this place. It is one that we all can do with reminding of sometimes as we get caught up in the politics and distractions sometimes. Mr Halverson stated that his primary desire was:

… to pursue with dedication and commitment the best interests of my constituents … to be of service to my electorate and my country.

Mr Halverson's first parliamentary speech also unveiled for the public record his determined patriotism and nationalist pride in Australia. He was a champion for the local people that he represented, but he was also a staunch defender of the values of the nation.

In 1996, Mr Halverson became the first Speaker of the House of Representatives during the Howard government's term, probably his most significant appointment during his time in parliament. Mr Halverson took it upon himself to be as impartial and as independent as possible, adopting a Westminster-like approach in his role as Speaker of the House. Ditching the wig and donning a black coat, Mr Halverson unprecedentedly allowed supplementary questions by the opposition in the House. Whilst it might be the case that when we are in government we may not enjoy the additional scrutiny that can come from such an approach, I think that we should appreciate and acknowledge the standard that Mr Halverson set and his desire for greater accountability.

But, perhaps more interesting than talking about his actions in the chambers of parliament, I would like to reflect on Bob and the secret billiards competitions that he would organise across the party divide. I understand that the message would come from Bob that it was time for a special committee meeting, which meant that members of the group were to meet in the billiard room in the old house—and I can imagine that the discussion in that room was probably much more interesting than the games of billiards.

Following his retirement from parliament, Mr Halverson was a particularly effective ambassador. His personable nature enabled him to become very well connected and operate on a first-name basis with the Irish Prime Minister, the Irish President and many other Irish members of parliament of the day. It was Mr Halverson's notable close connections with the Vatican and Pope John Paul II that assisted in the release of the Australian aid workers held captive in Serbia during the Kosovo crisis.

Throughout his life, Mr Halverson was loved, supported and encouraged by his wife, Maggie, and their four children, a daughter and three sons—and I would like to also acknowledge the members of his family in the gallery today. Mr Halverson's family has since grown to include many grandchildren, who will forever be reminded of their grandfather's vigour and unfailing conviction to the best outcomes for his country. Many have talked about how Bob considered himself a man with 'clout' and 'a bit of a rebel', and I agree that Mr Halverson can be considered a true Aussie battler—a battler who was willing to jump in the ring and have a go. Mr Halverson will be remembered as one whose life was lived in the distinguished service of others—a man of integrity; a man of heart.

Vale Robert 'Bob' Halverson.

Question agreed to, honourable senators standing in their places.