Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today, on behalf of the National Party, to honour the life and legacy of Thomas Eyre Forrest Hughes AO, KC, a man of towering intellect and unwavering integrity and an indelible contributor to Australian public life. Thomas Hughes was a legal giant, a King's Counsel of great renown whose mastery of the law was matched only by his passion for its fair application. His career spanned decades, during which he set benchmarks for legal advocacy that continue to inspire generations of barristers and solicitors today. It's said he had four careers, and the Nats might just doff a cap—an Akubra—to the fact that he was known to be a farmer, an airman, a barrister and an MP. The mark he left on Australian jurisprudence is significant: his arguments sharp and persuasive, his presence in the courtroom formidable, and his dedication to the rule of law unwavering. This was demonstrated by the fact—and this just speaks volumes—that he only retired from practice in 2013, just shy of his 90th birthday.

Beyond the legal profession, Mr Hughes was a dedicated servant of the Australian people. His military service was an extension of these principles, an affirmation of his willingness to stand in defence of our great country and contribute to the global struggle for peace and security. During World War II, he answered the call to serve his nation, enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force, where he trained and served as a pilot. Tom enlisted and served in the No. 10 Squadron from 1942 to 1946. No. 10 Squadron was both the first RAAF squadron and the first British Commonwealth squadron to see active service in the Second World War. It was also the only RAAF squadron to see continuous active service throughout the war. In 1943, Tom began a tour of operations and was part of the Normandy invasion. In 2005, he was awarded the French—and forgive my French—Legion d'honneur for his contribution to Operation Overlord. His contributions to the war effort, alongside those of thousands of other Australians, were instrumental in safeguarding the freedoms that we all cherish today.

As a parliamentarian, he represented the constituents of Parkes from 1963 to 1969, in the halcyon days, shall we say, of the Menzies-McEwen government. In 1970, he purchased 800 hectares of good country down near Goulburn and went on to establish a Poll Dorset sheep stud. He exhibited, I'm sure, a fancied fleece not only in the local shows but at the Sydney Royal, which is something he enjoyed. He was also the first member for the electorate of Berowra from 1969 to 1972. Former prime minister John Howard was Hughes's campaign manager for the seat of Parkes in 1963 and became a lifelong friend.

Serving with distinction as Australia's Attorney-General from 1969 to 1971, he demonstrated an unyielding commitment to justice, bringing about reforms that strengthened the legal foundations of our nation and reinforced the fundamental rights of its citizens. His service in public office was defined by his sharp legal mind, his deep understanding of constitutional matters and his ability to balance the weighty responsibilities of his role with an innate sense of fairness. He believed in the principle that the law was not merely a collection of rules but a living institution that must serve the people it governs.

Beyond his public service, many would attest that Thomas Hughes was a man of great personal warmth, wit and generosity. To those who knew him he was a devoted family man, a mentor and a steadfast friend. He was known for a rare trait in politics—his humility despite his formidable achievements and impressive CV. His contributions extended well beyond the legal and political spheres. In 2001, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the law and the broader Australian community. He gave freely of his time and expertise, fostering the next generation of legal minds and remaining a respected voice in national discussions on governance and legal affairs.

The passing of Thomas Hughes is a reminder of the legacy that great Australians can and do leave behind, not only in the institutions they shape but in the lives they touch. His influence is still felt in courtrooms across this country, in the pages of our legal textbooks and in the hearts of those who had the privilege to work alongside him.

I would like to acknowledge his daughter, Lucy Turnbull, who is in the chamber today and who inherited from her father and his family a commitment and dedication to public service. On behalf of the Nationals, I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Christine; his children, Lucy, Tom and Michael; and their families. We honour his life and contributions and acknowledge him with gratitude. Again, I take this opportunity to thank him for his service to a grateful nation in all four of those careers. May he rest in peace.