Hollie Hughes (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Hansard source

Today I would like to take the opportunity to mark the life and mourn the passing of Angus Macneil, and celebrate his life. Angus was a stalwart of the Liberal Party in New South Wales, coming from the small town of Rand, near the New South Wales-Victoria border.

He contributed significantly to the Liberal Party and also to the broader community. He led a life of tremendous service. He was a very good friend of Bill Heffernan. He was a tremendous supporter of Sussan Ley. He was a very well-advised confidant to me and an advisor to me both before I entered this place and since coming to this place.

Like Bill, I think he is someone who would be best referred to as a 'busted arse farmer', because he was a sheep farmer following in his father's footsteps on his 2,600 hectare farm with merino sheep, goats and a variety of crops. So our conversations consisted mostly of what was happening in the markets and the weather.

He also served for over 25 years on his local council and also worked and served on a number of other advisory boards, industry boards and sectors, as well as working with the Liberal Party for well in excess of the 20 years I was involved. In 2019, was awarded the honour of becoming a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to primary industries. Anyone who knew Angus would just adore Angus. He was a great character, and a great person to have as part of your team.

Angus, thank you for your contribution to our party, to our community and to the country, and sincerest condolences to Gail and your daughters Georgie and Kate.