Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong—Leader of the Opposition) (14:01): On the weekend, at the grounds around our country, the Australian cricket family wore black armbands to mourn the loss of one of their own. From the manicured wickets of the first grade to the local synthetic, from young Kanga cricketers just beginning their love affair with the game to wily old veterans putting their bat through one last test of optimism, everyone paused to remember Phillip Hughes. In our suburban streets and country towns, tens of thousands of Australians put their bats out to remember the piercing cut shot, the fantastic cheeky grin and the fighting qualities of a country boy who loved playing for his country. In Sharja, New Zealand and Pakistan took a day off from their test, and when they resumed they played in a very different way. The players did not celebrate their personal victories; their thoughts were with Phillip's family and friends. That was what was most important, not the test match. At Twickenham, the Wallabies and English fans celebrated Phillip's life with a minute of applause. In the A-league game between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory, the crowd rose as one at the 63rd minute. What was it about Phillip Hughes, his career and his passing that captured world-wide attention? I spoke with Dave O'Neill, the President of the Western Suburbs Cricket Club. He was president at the time Phillip joined as a boy from the bush, chasing his dream. He paid tribute to Phillip's brilliance and his potential, the records he holds and the records he would have set. Dave also told me something of Phillip's qualities and his values and the wonderful family that gave them to him and to whom we offer our heartfelt condolences. Phillip Hughes had courage, resilience and an extraordinary work ethic—dropped four times from the Australian side but bouncing back and piling on the runs in the Shield competition. A fantastic team man—a quality obvious from the universal reaction of his devastated team mates. And perhaps unusual in the ultra-competitive world of ultra-professional sport, Phillip was deeply admired and respected by his opponents. I think in remembering Phillip Hughes the Australian and, indeed, the world cricket family has been at its best. But perhaps for Australian Captain, Michael Clarke, this has been his finest hour in a very distinguished career. He found the words to describe our sadness, to speak of Phillip's family for his team mates and his country. We commend Michael for the way he reached out on behalf of all Australians to Sean Abbott, offering to pad up and face the first ball that Sean bowels on his return. Our nation will remember Phillip Hughes not for how he died but for how he lived and for what he loved. Perhaps today all of us should remember to tell the people whom we care for how much we love them. Life is bigger, more precious and more fickle than any game. May he rest in peace. The SPEAKER: I ask members to stand as a mark of respect on the passing for Phillip Hughes. Honourable members having stood in their places—