Mr TURNBULL (Wentworth—Prime Minister) (14:00): I move: That the House record its deep regret at the death, on 9 February 2016, of the Honourable Robert George (Bob) Halverson OBE, a Member of this House for the Division of Casey from 1984 to 1998 and Speaker, place on record its appreciation of his long and meritorious public service, and tender its profound sympathy to his family in their bereavement. I acknowledge the presence in the gallery of Bob's daughter, Sharon; her husband, Grant, who is the brother of the member for Murray; and their son and Bob's eldest grandson, James. Today's condolence motion reminds us most powerfully that all of us are links in a chain of continuing service. Bob Halverson filled the office of Speaker and member for Casey and today he will be farewelled by another Speaker and member for Casey. Bob Halverson and Tony Smith—different men in different times but each playing their part in our parliament as others did before them and will after them. Bob served Australia his whole adult life from his time in the RAAF between 1956 and 1981, where he rose to the rank of Group Captain, then as a member of parliament, Speaker of the House and later Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland and the Holy See. He was a good example of the very broad church that is the Liberal Party. He grew up in Footscray, the son of an electrician and union representative. A boy from the state and technical schools, he was both the conservative and a republican. He was elected to parliament in the then marginal seat of Casey in 1984. The man the newspapers once referred to as 'Burly Bob' wrested the seat back to the Liberal Party and, from a very slender margin, went on to build a strong following by the simple virtue of being a very good local member. He served as the party whip for six years and was known for all those skills that suit the task—respect for parliament's processes, fairness, and the imposition of discipline. It was during this time that he came to form very close friendships on both sides of the chamber. He served as Speaker between 1996 and 1998 during what were difficult times in this chamber and I understand that both sides were guilty of some misdemeanours. Mr Speaker, I am sure you are in a unique position to empathise; although I hope our behaviour has improved somewhat over the years. Bob believed that the position of the Speaker had become too partisan and he sought to restore independence during his tenure. It is important to recognise that his passion for this cause came from a place of deep respect for the position of Speaker and for parliament. He loved this parliament. He was a great parliamentarian. His stress relief was rumoured to have been a good game of billiards and he had a system of coded euphemisms with fellow players including Peter Reith to call a game at short notice. There were lots of 'special committee meetings'. As Speaker, Bob Halverson was the first to introduce legislation from the chair. The bill provided for an arrangement we all benefit from—the establishment and administration of the Department of Parliamentary Services. After retiring in 1998, Bob was appointed Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland and non-resident Ambassador to the Holy See. Australia's traditionally strong links to Ireland became even closer thanks to his time in Dublin. He was similarly successful in his duties at the Holy See, receiving a papal knighthood for his services. He was made an Officer of the British Empire in 1978 for his work as an exchange officer with the Royal Airforce and received a Centenary Medal in 2003. Bob was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and we should not be surprised that this former military man, who never shied away from a fight, should battle so long against the disease that would eventually claim him. In his maiden speech, Bob Halverson said: The men and women who seek to serve in this place may be motivated by many reasons. Mine were quite simple: I believe that our rights and freedoms must be protected, and I love my country. And that is how he will be remembered. To Bob's wife, Maggie; his children, Sharon, Craig, Warren and Cameron and their families: we recognise the love and support you gave Bob throughout his life and especially as he battled illness. We offer you in your loss the heartfelt sympathy of our parliament and our country.