Ms SPENDER (Wentworth) (14:08): Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak today. My father was a gracious man. He built relationships across the House, and he would have been particularly gratified by the graciousness of the Prime Minister in proposing this motion and the Leader of the Opposition in speaking on it. He was many things—he was loving, he was extravagant, he was generous, he was droll, he was fun—but the lessons that I take from his life in this place are courtesy, originality and standing for something. So many remembrances have noted that he was a gentleman, that he was gracious and that he was gentle. Whether he was representing a union, as he so often did, or accepting the apology of a prime minister—this time Hawke, who publicly mocked him for his accent but later, as a true gentleman, apologised—he was courteous. In parliament, I'm told, he played the ball, not the person. He took this gentleness home, and he never shouted at us, but when he was very irritated he would take himself for a drive. Now, I think he just liked cars! He wasn't afraid to think differently and was genuinely interested in alternative views. He and his father spent many Sunday afternoons debating the events of the day with a whiskey, and he encouraged us as kids to do the same—without the whiskey. You could change his mind with a good argument. This is a rare quality and quite the opposite, I think, of Twitter. No doubt it was that open-mindedness that enabled him to support my campaign despite being perhaps the first party person in a safe seat to be dislodged by a community Independent, as he was. He held many roles in this House, which you have acknowledged. He was Manager of Opposition Business, shadow Attorney-General, shadow minister for foreign affairs and—my personal favourite—opposition spokesperson for the status of women. However, in reflecting on his political career he was proudest of the times that cost him—where he stood up, however quixotically. He crossed the floor to protect witnesses to access justice. He wrote a piece against his own government's foreign policy that was then quoted by the opposition leader. And he defended Laurie Oakes's right to call politicians 'drunks and bludgers', which led to the parliamentary privilege reforms that allow the press to call us, frankly, many other things now—for which, I'm sure, they are extremely grateful! And then it was over. I remember the day that he lost his seat: sitting together at breakfast, writing a list of things that we could do now that he was out. It was a very difficult time for him, rebuilding his life outside of this place. I learned from him then: 'When you're in parliament, make the most of it; you don't have a second to lose. But remember that one day you will be out—that it will be over—and be ready for that too.' Thirty-five years ago my father gave a condolence speech in the House for his father, my grandfather, who also served in federal parliament. There is a certain poignancy in that—though if any of my children stand for parliament I'll know it will be time to get my affairs in order! I would like to finish with a quote from that condolence motion, a favourite of my grandfather's which seemed apt for dad too: 'I have tried to do my duty. No-one can do more; no-one should do less.' I thank the House. Honourable members: Hear, hear! The SPEAKER: As a mark of respect to the memory of John Michael Spender, I ask all present to rise in their places. Honourable members having stood in their places— The SPEAKER: I thank the House. Debate adjourned.