McCormack, Michael, MP

Mr McCORMACK (Riverina—Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Leader of the Nationals) (14:15): I acknowledge the eloquent words of both the Prime Minister and the opposition leader about a man I loved—we all loved. He was a great Australian, and I acknowledge his son, Larry, in the Speaker's gallery today. Three generations of the one family serving in the Australian parliament—will we ever see its like again? It was a privilege last Thursday to join with Doug Anthony's family, representatives from former and current parliaments, including Prime Minister Morrison, former Prime Minister Howard and so many friends and well-wishers to celebrate Doug Anthony's life of service to Australia. The eulogy John Howard gave—no notes, off the cuff, amazing. If anybody hasn't seen it, I invite them to go into ABC TV iView and watch it; it was powerful stuff. This fine memorial service underlined how Doug Anthony broke through the grief of his own father's death to offer himself in service to the people of Richmond, and I acknowledge that the member for Richmond was there, too, paying tribute to a great man. This was a memorial service unlike others. It included a marvellous tribute to Doug from his son, former federal minister Larry, the third of three generations of Australian government ministers—not just members but ministers. In his book, Politics in the Blood: The Anthonys of Richmond, Paul Davey wrote: 'Federation was only 36 years old when Hubert Anthony was elected to the Commonwealth parliament. For nearly 55 of the following 71 years, an Anthony sat in the House of Representatives.' That is a lot of history. Doug's father, Hubert, known as Larry, held multiple portfolios. Over several years, he was both Minister for Civil Aviation and Postmaster General, in charge of a post office capital works budget increased from about a million pounds in 1948-49 to 27 million pounds in 1953-54. It is little surprise then that Doug Anthony, as a boy, could at times be found rollerskating around Old Parliament House—an early introduction to the role of the national government. Elected at age 27, Doug Anthony was indeed a young MP. He was once challenged as to why he was even on the floor of the House of Representatives where only MPs were allowed—imagine that—but it was to be the start of 27 magnificent years in parliament, 27 years of achievement on behalf of all Australians, not just regional Australians but all Australians. We enjoy vibrant world-leading agriculture and resources industries today delivering huge improvements to the living standards of all Australians because of the work that Doug Anthony did because he saw the opportunities of the 1970s and eighties. He wasn't afraid to challenge orthodoxy, spearheading real improvements to domestic wool and wheat markets in times of crises. He was pivotal to the reconstruction of the dairy industry and the upgrading of abattoirs right across Australia. He foresaw the looming drought of 1965-68 and catalysed action, not least the use of early satellites to predict and monitor the trends. Doug was attuned first and foremost to the best interests of regional Australia. While much of his time was in government, he was also just as constructive in opposition, having no qualms, no qualms whatsoever, in supporting Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's expansion of state aid to underprivileged schools in 1973, and I think that talks to the measure of the man—that's Doug as well as Gough, of course! The story goes that, on a plane one day from Canberra to Auckland, Deputy Prime Minister Anthony worked through the agenda papers ahead of a bilateral ministerial meeting then wondered aloud, 'If this is all that's going to be discussed, why even bother going?' During a dinner hosted by New Zealand Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, Doug threw in the idea of a closer economic relationship deal covering goods and services, notably agriculture. The New Zealanders were very impressed, and 1 January 1983 brought a start to the Australian-New Zealand CER agreement, that closer economic relationship that is so important between our trans-Tasman nations. Again we find a quiet but enduring legacy from Doug Anthony's actions. As is acknowledged to this day, that created one of the world's most open and successful trade agreements, and it was all because of Doug Anthony. It stands today as a model, a blueprint. It's this depth of contribution that is recognised in his awards, not least his appointment as a Companion of Honour in 1981 and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2003. These awards recognised, amongst other things, Doug's leadership and dedication to the social—and he was a great lover of the arts; the Margaret Olley exhibition is testament to that—educational, health and developmental needs of our rural and regional communities. Speaking of enduring legacies, there was the holiday caravan, usually positioned over Christmas-New Year's Eve at New Brighton, near Brunswick Heads on the New South Wales far North Coast. There are probably people who wish I had stayed in a caravan when I was Acting Prime Minister just last month! An honourable member interjecting— Mr McCORMACK: I didn't hear that interjection but I'm sure it was friendly! From 1971, across one Christmas-New Year after another, Richmond became the epicentre of Australia's governance, replete with the local uniform of shorts and thongs and a public phone outside the general store. That was a generation ago, but what a fabulous thing it says about Australia. Progress came in 1976 when Doug installed an extra phone and telex and vocadex facilities in his nearby cottage, continuing to run the country from one of the world's most famous caravan parks and, indeed, most famous caravans. At the same time, it's important to acknowledge how Doug Anthony would not spare himself in travelling the length and breadth of this nation and beyond in pursuit of his very important responsibilities, which he took very seriously. His travel itineraries could be crippling—the records show some references to illnesses contracted during travel—but he was motivated to deliver the best possible outcomes for all Australians regardless of any personal cost. Doug understood the huge mandate from the Australian people, particularly from 1975 to 1983. His legacy endures today in the form of strong industries—indeed, a stronger economy. In retirement he maintained his vital interest in national affairs and the Nationals party. He was a much anticipated arrival at get-togethers, especially our state conferences. There was much cut and thrust at those conferences, but Doug was always the reserved elder statesman; his presence just said enough. Doug's leadership as Deputy Prime Minister was quintessentially Australian. It was never about him; it was always about the country he held so dear. The workload was intense but, as the Prime Minister and the member for Grayndler have said, Doug Anthony never lost focus on his greatest passion: his family. To Margot Anthony, Doug's 'rosebud of the Tweed', and to Dugald, Jane, Larry and their extended families we simply say thank you. We say thank you for being so supportive of a husband, father and grandfather. Thank you for encouraging and supporting him in making such a difference for good across this nation. The Australian people say to the Anthony family: thank you very much. Doug Anthony—vale a great man, country to his boots. The SPEAKER: As a mark of respect to the memory of the Rt Hon. John Douglas Anthony, I ask all present to rise in their places. Honourable members having stood in their places— The SPEAKER: I thank the House. Debate adjourned.