Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I first met Marise, similarly to Jeremy, in 1990 in Brisbane at a Young Liberal national convention. As with everyone who met Marise at that stage, I was immediately impressed with Marise's intelligence, empathy, gravitas and basic humanity. I can remember saying a few things at that convention which were perhaps out of keeping with what was in federal Liberal Party policy at the time, which generated some interest amongst journalists. Marise handled it beautifully, stood behind the movement and stood behind us as Young Liberals. The point I want to make in that regard was that Marise was a leader and such a great example to so many of us before she even came to this place.

There are three reflections, Marise, on your service in this place. The first is this: I can remember, as a backbencher sitting on the Finance and Public Administration Committee, when you would turn up at estimates in your capacity as Minister for Women, and you were absolutely formidable. I could see that the members of the department who would sit by your side were proud to be sitting at the table with you as their minister. As a backbencher, I was so proud to have you as a cabinet minister.

On Pacific women, as someone who has lived and worked in Papua New Guinea and cares deeply about the Pacific, I know that you gave your heart and soul to the cause of women and girls across our Pacific region in terms of their security, safety, education and future ability to take positions of leadership across the Pacific, and I acknowledge that deeply.

The last reflection has brought back many, many memories of Afghanistan. As someone who worked very closely with your office—in particular, with the incredible Chris McNicoll—over many weeks, this was just outstanding. There is a place in Afghanistan that I had never heard of, but which I will never forget. It's called the Torkham border. After the airlift had ceased and we were so desperate to keep getting people out of Afghanistan, with assistance out of your office, with Chris' amazing assistance, we saved so many people across that border. One person who we saved was baby Solomon. In one of the families which got across the border, baby Solomon's mother gave birth to baby Solomon in Pakistan just a few days after they crossed the border. Baby Solomon is now safe and growing up in Queensland. Baby Solomon and his family, and so many people, should be so thankful, Marise, for the tremendous service you have given to this country, to its people and to people across our whole region. Thank you.