Laming, Andrew, MP

Mr LAMING (Bowman) (14:08): Today is another link to the old parliament lost. Known iconically by his first name 'Con', particularly in Bowman, he was an old-fashioned Catholic Right conservative representative of his people. He played hard and prayed hard for friends, family and forces. He was, in his local city, a human Filofax—he recognised everyone. He had that fantastic double-handed handshake, and he never let go until he got an answer about how your loved ones were going. Con had many close mates—and many more who were confident that they were!—akin, perhaps, to David Jull on this side of the parliament. His was a life of late-night stories, building trust and his word being his bond. He could float right across party divides. He was a personality with stories from over the years that cannot be shared today. But, for the moment, I am his geographic replacement and bear witness that he changed lives for so many people in my city. It could have been a quiet word of advice; that Sicilian arm around the shoulders, sharing the grief of a lost loved one; or perhaps that pride of a child getting their first award on stage. That was Con's life exponentially. This parliament conveys its thoughts to his family: to Karen, Zina, Grace, Daniel and Nicholas. We also remember, in Tolstoy's words, the 'furrow left behind' by Con's absence, both in this building and at home in Brisbane. Vale Con. The SPEAKER: As a mark of respect, I invite honourable members to rise in their places. Honourable members having stood in their places— Debate adjourned.