Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

I rise with a very heavy heart and enormous sadness to join with my Senate colleagues in honouring the magnificent life of Andrew James Molan AO DSC—a life of service to his country, to his community, to the parliament, a life of unconditional love for and pride in his family and a life of courage on the battlefield and in the battle of ideas. It was a life lived like few other Australians, because Jim Molan was a giant amongst men. I convey my deepest condolences to Jim's beloved wife, Anne, his four children, Sarah, Erin, Felicity and Michael, his adored grandchildren and his broader family.

Jim's passing has left a gaping chasm in the Senate and in our lives. I was honoured to call him my friend. Whatever the cause or the mission, he went about his work with unwavering dedication, intellect and courage. He was so kind, principled, funny and always positive. He walked with a bounce. For someone who rose to such high ranks in the Australian Defence Force, Jim was also incredibly humble and gracious. In Senate estimates, including on the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, which I chaired for some time, the former major-general who rose to run the multinational forces in Iraq and then co-authored and help execute Operation Sovereign Borders as a special envoy would question Home Affairs officials about national security matters with enormous purpose and insight but always with deep respect. Never once did he give the impression that he knew more than they did, even though I am certain that was so often the case.

Jim and I formed a special bond when he re-entered the Senate shortly after me in 2019, with Jim filling the casual vacancy left by Arthur Sinodinos, who went on to become Australia's ambassador to the United States. During that gruelling preselection process we would touch base frequently and give each other moral support. His win and re-entry into the Senate was broadly celebrated, but to members of the Liberal Party around the country Jim was a rock star. His understanding of the national security threats we face and his willingness to call them out and advocate for better policies, including a national security strategy, was held in the highest regard. As Senator Scarr has just referenced, Jim would be cheering from the rooftops hearing Senator Scarr read out part of his rationale for a national security strategy.

In early 2020, I asked Jim to be my special guest at a special Australia Day celebration that I was planning, but as COVID began to emerge we needed to cancel. We planned to reschedule the event, but it was never to be. I won't recite Jim's extensive CV, which has been very well documented in this motion, other than to say few men have served our country with such high distinction. Jim's awards included a Legion of Merit, awarded by the United States in 2004, and the Distinguished Service Cross, awarded in 2006. He was also appointed a member of the Order of Australia in 1992 and as an officer of the Order of Australia in 2000. Jim was highly respected as a public commentator on defence and national security issues and as an author. It was indeed an honour to attend his book launch last year at Parliament House for Danger on our Doorstep. This is a must-read.

Jim and I would often speak about the horrors of social media trolling and his pride in you, Erin, for standing up. He was so proud of the way that you stood up to the bullies and trolls and those who defamed you, belittled you and abused you. He was so proud of your work, including your amazing support and advocacy for the coalition's Online Safety Act. He was in the trenches with you every step of the way.

Thank you, Jim, for your legacy, which inspires us as senators to be more courageous; to never give up fighting for what is right in the service of our country; to live our best life; to express our gratitude; to love our family and friends; and to leave nothing on the field. We all loved Jim, and my last words to him were in a message I sent at the end of last year, after he came to visit us in our Senate party room. I wrote: 'Don't worry about your emotions, no-one could care less. We all just love you and miss you, and want you back as soon as possible.' Jim, rest in peace.