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

On behalf of the National Party, I rise to speak to this condolence motion. Together, we gather to pay tribute to the Hon. John Colinton Moore AO, a distinguished former member of parliament who represented the division of Ryan in Queensland with unwavering dedication from 1975 until his retirement in 2001.

Mr Moore's passing on 22 January 2025 at the age of 88 marks the end of a remarkable journey of public service and commitment to the nation. I want to recognise my National Party colleague Senator Susan McDonald who spoke at his eulogy and gave a very heartfelt reflection, particularly as a fellow country Queenslander, who similarly would have gone through an education system in primary years which reflected correspondence. I know she would have loved to have been able to contribute to this condolence motion had it been a little earlier in the day.

Born on 16 November 1936, a country boy in Rockhampton, Queensland, John Moore's early life was deeply rooted in regional Australia. Raised on a cattle station west of Bowen, he experienced firsthand the challenges and the virtues of rural life. His initial education was through correspondence and was a testament to the resilience and determination that would later define his career. He completed his secondary education at the Armidale School before earning a Bachelor of Commerce from UQ with a focus on accounting.

Before entering the political arena, Mr Moore established himself as a prominent businessman and stockbroker. In 1964 he founded John Moore and Co. which grew to become the largest single traded business in Queensland, extending its reach into regional centres right across Queensland and New South Wales. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to regional development were evident in these endeavours, reflecting a deep understanding of the economic landscapes beyond our urban centres.

Mr Moore's political journey commenced with his election to the House of Representatives for the division of Ryan in 1975. Throughout his tenure, he held several key ministerial positions, including the Minister for Business and Consumer Affairs in the Fraser government and the Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism and the Minister for Defence in the Howard government.

His tenure as Minister for Defence was marked by significant global and regional challenges. He played a crucial role in overseeing critical defence initiatives, including the deployment of Australian forces to East Timor as part of the UN peacekeeping efforts. He was instrumental in strengthening Australia's defence capabilities, particularly through the advancement of the Collins class submarine fleet. Mr Moore also focused on defence procurement reform, ensuring that efficiency and accountability were at the forefront of major acquisitions. His leadership in defence policy helped modernise Australia's military strategy and reinforce the nation's commitment to regional security. One of his most significant contributions to the Australian Defence Force was the release of the white paper Defence 2000:our future defence force, which provided a comprehensive plan for the nation's defence capabilities. Reflecting on its impact, John Howard remarked:

The Defence White Paper is the most far-sighted reshaping of Australia's defence capability in a generation. It would not have been possible without John Moore's determination to improve management within Defence and also win new resources for the ADF.

When John Howard won power in 1996 after 13 years of hard labour, there were only two men in the coalition at that time who had cabinet experience: John Howard and John Moore. Moore was, of course, an Andrew Peacock man, but, despite these ideological differences, there was a deep mutual respect between these two men. Howard brought him into his office, and together they drew up the first Howard ministry. Wets and drys putting the nation first—a task of significant consequence after years in opposition.

The relationship between Moore and the Nationals was not so amenable. John was a blue-blooded Queensland Liberal at a time when the Nationals, under Joh Bjelke-Petersen, were in ascendancy and, at that time, the majority coalition party in Queensland. Those of us outside of Queensland in the National Party looked to Queensland to see what could be possible if the Nationals were the majority party. There was no love lost between the parties in those days—it's now very harmonious in the LNP—with battles over preselections a common occurrence. The great Ron Boswell, a former leader of the National Party in this place, recalled the ruthlessness of the Liberals in attempting to displace Nationals, including Flo Bjelke-Petersen, from the Senate ticket, and he said, 'We clashed like buggery.' I think that quote was from today. For his part, Moore liked to describe the Nationals as the pineapple party.

Despite these political rivalries, he was a man who understood and respected the role of regional Australia. His upbringing on a cattle station gave him an intrinsic appreciation of the agricultural sector and the unique challenges faced by rural communities and those of us that live in them. This perspective informed his policy decisions, ensuring that the needs of regional Australia were considered in national discussions. John was a wealthy man from a farming background, and as a stockbroker he regularly took an active interest in the market, even as a minister—back in the day when there was less scrutiny over the intersections between private and public dealings. He brought a business-minded approach to governance, balancing economic pragmatism with political acumen. In recognition of his extensive contributions, Mr Moore was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2004. This honoured his service to the community through the Australian parliament, his role in developing strategic industry policy and his efforts in policy and management reform within the defence sector.

As we reflect on his life and service, it's essential to acknowledge the personal qualities that endeared him to colleagues right across the political spectrum. He was known for his integrity, dedication and steadfast commitment to the betterment of Australia. His ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, coupled with his deep understanding of both urban and rural issues, made him a respected figure in this parliament. In remembering John Moore, we honour a man whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our country's history. His legacy will endure as a testament to his contribution to Australian public life and national security. On behalf of the National Party and the Senate, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Jacqueline, his family and friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.