Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to add a couple of short comments and associate myself with the wonderful presentation speeches that have been made in recognition of the life of Tony Staley.

I first met Tony when he came to lobby me as a delegate to my first-ever federal council in 1993, when, as has been so beautifully put, he saw off Malcolm Fraser, who he helped install as prime minister 20 years earlier. He won us over as delegates—his entrance to the federal council hall at the Lakeside Hotel would have to be one of the most dramatic entrances that I've ever seen—and cemented his place as our leader of the Liberal Party at a national level. As others have said more eloquently than I, he gave great service to the organisation at a time when it needed it and provided leadership through the period that saw the Howard government come to office in 1996.

He was always there to offer support and advice when it was needed. He was a great friend. He made a great contribution to his country, and clearly, from the anecdotes that have been prepared here today, was someone whose love of his family was always to the forefront. I'd just like to add my condolences to Susie and his family. He is very much deserving of the recognition that he's receiving here in the chamber today. I thank those who've made a contribution to the debate and I commend the debate to this chamber.