Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong—Leader of the Opposition) (14:14): I understand that Wal Fife was, in many respects, an uncomplicated man—unpretentious, unflappable and largely unchanged by the cares and burdens of public office. As he put it when he left this place in 1993, ending 36 years as first a state and then a federal MP, he 'walked through a minefield and came out unscathed'. I counted up the number of elections that that 36 years covered. He won 14 of the elections that he contested. That is a significant achievement. Wal also held a number of ministries in both the New South Wales and federal parliaments, but his first priority was always his community. He prided himself on being a visible, available and conscientious local MP. It is a credit to him that, even a quarter-century after he left this place, the tributes at his funeral in Wagga still spoke of his generosity with his time and his presence. As we've heard, Wal always had a consuming passion for politics. As a child, he created a homemade ballot box, counting the votes cast by his mother and father. It is no surprise that when he was only 28 he was first elected as the state member for Wagga Wagga. At that time he was the youngest person elected to the New South Wales parliament, yet that was his third attempt for the seat! I think it's fair to say it would mean a great deal to him that today the parliament pauses on the threshold of question time to remember and honour him. It is a privilege to serve in this place. It's hard-fought and hard-won. Wal Fife knew this and he honoured it for many years. We offer our condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. The SPEAKER: As a mark of respect, I ask all present to signify their approval by rising in their places. Honourable members having stood in their places— Debate adjourned.