Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) Share this | Hansard source

The loss of our friend and senator Jim Molan was felt in every corner of the Liberal Party. I join with my Senate colleagues and all Western Australians Liberals in recognising the loss and the life of a great Australian, a devoted parliamentarian. Jim Molan was a man who understood in a deep sense what it means to be committed to the service of our nation. Having spent 40 years in the military, being deployed to six countries and taking numerous leadership roles, Jim placed his life on the line for the advancement of Australia and its security. In his role as a commander, he shouldered the responsibility of protecting the lives of ADF personnel, leading from the front. He was rightly honoured as an officer of the Order of Australia for his dedication, alongside other accolades, including the Distinguished Service Cross and the United States Legion of Merit.

Since his untimely passing, many have spoken on his storied career in the military, his professionalism and his skill. Today I add my voice to theirs, but it is pertinent to remember that Jim's time in the military was not the full story of his love of our country and of his community. He was a devoted senator, rightly known for his dedication to values and integrity and for continuing his responsibility in this place with great professionalism even during illness. Jim was also an author, having written three books, all of them related to Australia's national security and military capacity. He wrote on his time in Iraq, making candid assessments of mistakes made that conflict, as well as the general structure of the ADF. In doing so, he revealed his honesty, willing to call out failings and errors in the interests of Australia's protection and prosperity. Jim understood that, without self-critique, there is no growth, and that is true for people, institutions and nations.

I had the opportunity to share with Jim following the publication of his most recent book, Danger On Our Doorstep, a warning and risk-analysis assessment of some of the major security threats for Australia and the South-East Asian region. It now remains as one of his last acts of service to our country. Jim's writing was testament to his intellect, a tool he also employed during his contributions to parliament. He was instrumental in the development of the coalition government's Operation Sovereign Borders policy and, throughout his time in the Senate, he defended Australia's security interests with great energy. Jim was also a regular and respected contributor to the Australian, and a frequent commentator on several political talk shows. It is a testament to his work ethic that a little over two weeks before he passed away Jim was interviewed on live television to discuss security matters in the Taiwan Strait.

As the opposition leader noted in his remarks at Jim's funeral, despite all the extreme conditions Jim would have endured in his career in the military, and the many challenging circumstances he faced, he remained a kind and considerate man. The relationship between senators and chief whips can be eclectic, enigmatic, joyous, less joyous—but always one of discretion and trust. I am grateful for the trust and moments of honesty that Jim shared with me. His example of lifelong leadership is one for all of us to follow: one of disciplined service, devotion to country and love for family—to whom I send my best and most sincere wishes. May we all honour his legacy by our own actions in this place. Vale, Jim Molan.