Gerard Rennick (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is with great sadness that I rise to speak on the passing of Senator Jim Molan. While I only knew Jim for a short time, it was apparent that he was a man of integrity who cared deeply for his country and its future. He was incredibly driven to ensure that, as a nation, Australia was self-resilient not just in defence but in all aspects of society. He was not driven by the flawed ideologies of the chattering classes. Instead, he wanted Australia to control its own security, infrastructure, manufacturing and supply lines. His thinking was much closer to the protectionist views of Deakin and Menzies, who understood the importance of nation building and self-reliance. Jim had a distinguished career in the Army, where he served his country with distinction.

I was fortunate enough to meet him first at an LNP event where he was the guest speaker. He flew up to Queensland to support a candidate who served under him in the Iraq War and later as his aide-de-camp. It speaks to the character of Jim that, regardless of his rank, he never had any tickets on himself. I wasn't surprised to hear his family and friends comment at his funeral that Jim didn't like ceremonies. That seemed to correspond with my brief knowledge of him—that he was more driven by outcomes than accolade or pretentious posturing.

I was much more surprised to hear his family talk about his disdain for rules that didn't make sense, given Jim had risen so far in the military. It speaks to the affable and constructive nature of Jim that he was able to become a major general in the Army while also being able to question rules that didn't seem right. In this day and age, it's rare to see people who question a narrative climb so high in any organisation. It's an indication of how Jim could persuade people to his way of thinking without burning bridges.

In my conversations with him, Jim was disappointed that Western leaders allowed the wars in the Middle East to go for so long when there was clearly no strategic objective. He made it quite clear that it only lowered troop morale and diverted funding and attention from the more serious threats in the Pacific. It was a view that I agreed with entirely.

Jim played an instrumental part in stopping the boats during the first year of the Abbott government. It is estimated that over a thousand people lost their lives at sea trying to enter Australia. While many were sceptical that it could be done, it speaks to the ability of Jim, who played an instrumental part in making it happen. Originally scorned by many opposite and in other Western countries, the policy is now the benchmark by which to prevent illegal arrivals. Far from being a callous policy, as many critics like to assert, it has prevented many people from drowning at sea.

Jim served with distinction in many areas, including Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Indonesia, and was also a firefighter, which many others who know him have touched on today.

The greatest tribute I can give to Jim is to continue his goal to ensure that Australia is prepared for future challenges. Australia needs to be more self-resilient in its defence capabilities that focus on our region. It's time that the Department of Defence listened to his concerns that Australia has no integrated national security strategy focused on defending Australia and delivered one. As politicians, we should all mirror his ability for sound diplomacy, his integrity and his can-do attitude.

My condolences go to his family and many friends. Rest in peace, Jim.