Mr TURNBULL (Wentworth—Prime Minister) (14:02): I rise to acknowledge and mourn the passing of Ron Walker. Ron was a man of tremendous drive and focus, a dedicated servant of his state, his country and his city. He was a great Australian and magnificent Melburnian. He towered over us all in life, and in death his legacy will loom large over his beloved city. Ron helped Melbourne become the city it was always destined to be. We will not see his like again. There is no better reminder of his contribution to public life than Melbourne. So many of its drawcards and the vibrancy and confidence of the city itself were inspired by his energy and vision. Melbourne's status as a centre of major sporting and cultural events owes much to Ron's passion for Formula One, having famously lured the coveted grand prix back from Adelaide in the 1990s. His oversight of the building of the iconic Crown Casino and key role in winning the 2006 Commonwealth Games brought a dynamism and a depth to Melbourne, a thriving international city. Ron was a self-made man, a true entrepreneur who began his business career washing cars. He led many lives, and his passions and interests were wide-ranging: politics, business, the arts, medical research, philanthropy. From the early days of his financial success Ron was committed to sharing his good fortune. His contribution, as honourable members—particularly members of the Liberal Party—and Victorians know, was never just financial. He always gave of himself. When he committed to something, he was all in, boots and all. You didn't just get a financial backer; you got an advocate, an ideas man, a visionary, a friend and a good counsel. His time in politics, as a Melbourne city councillor and later as lord mayor, was short, but he didn't need government office to serve his state. His commitment was woven through everything he did. He was honoured in many ways—Officer of the Order of Australia, the Centenary Medal and Companion of the Order of Australia to name just a few. Ron was honorary federal treasurer of the Liberal Party. As his successor in that role, I can say with authority it is the worst job in politics! Ron kept the party afloat in some very tough times—including, generously, from his own resources. There was never a more effective fundraiser. He was as persuasive as he was persistent. He even persuaded me to succeed him! He led by example and when, as often happened, friends tried to escape him as election day approached—well, how could you outrun someone with a stride like Ron Walker's. Ron encouraged me at every stage of my political career. He was a wise mentor, generous to a fault, always enthusiastic and never disheartened. When Ron was diagnosed with cancer and given months to live, he railed against that fate. 'I don't want to die. I still have things to do,' he said. He found an experimental but very costly treatment in the United States—and it worked. His refusal to lie down brought another six years in which to do all those things he had wanted to do—and one of those was to ensure that everyone had access to the same cancer treatment he did. His advocacy was tireless, right up until the drug was listed on the PBS in 2015. It revealed a side of Ron that he didn't advertise widely—an understanding that with great wealth came a duty to those who are not so fortunate. There are many, many examples of his philanthropy that the public will never know. I place on record the acknowledgement and thanks of this parliament and our nation for his lifetime of service. To his wife, Barbara, and their family, I offer the heartfelt sympathy of the parliament and the nation.