Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today we honour and celebrate the life of a good friend, colleague, statesman, father, family member and, of course, great Australian. I pass on my deepest condolences to Jim's wife, Anne; his children, Sarah, Erin, Felicity and Michael; all extended family; and those who were closest to Jim.

As we've heard today, Jim has left a lasting legacy of service to Australia through his distinguished military career and, indeed, as a senator here in this place. Jim served, as we've heard, in the Defence Force for over 40 years—a tremendous service to the Australian people and, indeed, to people right across the world—from graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, to commanding more troops than any Australian since World War II during his time in Iraq, as well as being deployed in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Malaysia and Germany. But after such a distinguished career in the military, he clearly wanted to continue to serve his nation, and he has done that here in this place.

Unfortunately, Jim and I never got to serve together on any of the committees that many of my colleagues have remarked on. Those from both sides have spoken about their experience and how they profited personally from working with him. I never got that opportunity, but it didn't matter, because, as Senator Scarr said, there were other moments throughout our week where we did get to interact. Whether it was in those early morning meetings where we discuss policy motions, or during a division, or during one of our party room meetings or just simply a morning tea, you'd get the opportunity to talk with Jim.

I think that one of the things that really stood out to me was that he was never short of an encouraging word. He'd often be in his office, and he'd have the TV on with the chamber broadcast as he was doing some work—possibly writing a book like the one I've got here—and he'd obviously keep one ear to the screen, listening to what was happening. He'd take note of a speech you'd given, and he would always take the time to say, 'I loved what you said when you spoke about this.' He always took the time to acknowledge the work of others. This came from a man who had achieved so much, so when you got an encouraging word from someone like Jim you really took it to heart. He'd always take that time.

The other thing that really stood out to me—and I think many have remarked on this today as well—is that Jim was unapologetically patriotic. His courage led him from the front lines of war to this very Senate chamber, where in both cases he fought tirelessly to protect and safeguard the future of Australia. To echo the words of former prime minister Tony Abbott:

Jim never did anything for Jim. He always did it for our country and for the causes he believed in.

Through his role as a senator for New South Wales, Jim has been sounding the alarm on the sleeping aggressor to our north, China, and Australia's military preparedness to combat this inevitable conflict. Even through his battle with cancer he continued to raise awareness about the CCP, writing the Danger OnOur Doorstep, a book that I would recommend to everyone. Without letting Jim know, I purchased a number of these books to give away as gifts. Jim's staff must have let him know that I'd made this purchase, and so he added an extra one in that was especially for me. He didn't know I actually already had a copy, but I've kept this special one because he's written in the front of it. He's written in his own pen: 'For the sovereignty and freedom of Australia. Thanks, Matt.' I think those few words sum up who Jim was and the commitment that he had to fighting right through to the very end for the sovereignty and freedom of Australia.

Right through his battle with cancer, Jim was an example to all of us. Some have remarked today, Liberal colleagues and National colleagues, that Jim came into our very last party room meeting at the conclusion of last year. We didn't know he was coming; he turned up towards the end. When he stood up, with his big smile, he encouraged us all and he wished us all well. We knew he was battling at that time, yet he took that time to come in and speak with us and share with us, again, another encouraging word.

I quote from this book that Jim's written, from page 131, 'It is a moral failure of the highest order to expect the spirit and blood of the nation will act as a substitute for proper preparations to face evil in the world.' Australia must band together, and we need to heed Senator Molan's warning. With the Indo-Pacific region in a constant state of instability, come rail, hail or shine Australia must be preprepared, be ready and able. As President Reagan once remarked:

Heroes come when they're needed; great men step forward when courage seems in short supply.

Jim was not in short supply of courage. Vale, Jim Molan.