Mr WALSH (Murray Plains) (13:25:56): Last week we sadly lost a true-blue, great Australian with the passing of Tim Fischer, AC. Tim was a big personality with a big hat and an even bigger heart. A former Deputy Prime Minister and former federal Leader of The Nationals, Tim was also a devoted family man, a farmer, a Vietnam veteran, a passionate lobbyist for regional communities, a global traveller and a ferocious rail enthusiast, among many other things. When it came to The Nationals Tim had loyalty and leadership in spades. As a New South Wales state MP and then federal MP Tim was an elected representative and dedicated servant for his constituents for 30 years. In the wake of the horrific Port Arthur massacre, where 35 people lost their lives and another 23 were wounded, as Deputy Prime Minister, Tim stepped up and helped deliver the transformation of Australia’s firearms laws. This is a lasting legacy for which Tim will, quite rightly, always be admired, respected and thanked. Tim’s passion for infrastructure, in particular rail and regional development, was boundless. He was very proud of helping to secure the Adelaide to Darwin rail link as well as countless other infrastructure projects. Through his work as trade minister and later as Australia’s ambassador to the Holy See, Tim proudly represented our country on the world stage. His love of travel rivalled his thirst for knowledge, but our boy from Boree Creek was equally comfortable and happy holding court at a backyard barbecue or a town hall morning tea. He was a man of the people, for the people. Tim was deeply respected by all sides of politics and by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
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