Malcolm Roberts (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Hansard source

[by video link] Despite knowing of Senator Gallacher's illness, and despite having discussed the progress of his treatment with him, I, like many, was shocked and saddened on hearing the sudden news of his passing. It's rare in Queensland that a senator from outside the state is known, let alone highly regarded, and Senator Gallacher and Senator Sterle are two such people. Yet concurrently, as well as the sadness—and I think the sadness was due to the loss that we all felt—I'm most appreciative of having met him and for having worked with him. He showed qualities that are rare in parliament: a genuine love of and support for workers and for everyday Australians; a harking back for solid policies based upon data and facts anchored in the real world—and something that always struck me about Alex was that he was anchored in the real world; a realism and a sense for getting to the core of an issue, with nothing getting in the way of him getting there; and a wry sense of humour that broke out suddenly with gems that punctuated whole issues. I appreciated his willingness to listen to my views and positions, and his quiet yet strong support for issues deeply important to me. In that, I enjoyed his frankness and openness. He loved our country and, like so many everyday Australians across our country, searched and hankered for a return to the basics.

He was a traditional old-school union leader, a real union delegate, the type for whom I have enormous regard, having dealt with them and worked with them in the mining industry, for their competence and their ability to listen to people—to really listen, with genuine interest and genuine care—and to take real action in support. He was quietly assertive—the most effective type of assertiveness, a genuine, deep, grounded care for people and with common sense that showed his strength. Alex's party, our parliament, and our nation have lost a caring, thoughtful, strong and practical contributor for whom I have enormous fondness and admiration. My condolences to Alex's family, to his mates, particularly Glenn, and to our whole nation.