Mr DUTTON (Dickson—Leader of the Opposition) (14:05): I thank the Prime Minister for his sincere and heartfelt words. I thank the parliament for facilitating what I think is a very important contribution to celebrate the life of a wonderful man. Military service, legal service and political service were in Tom Hughes's blood. Tom's grandfather was a solicitor and Lord Mayor of Sydney. Tom's father was a solicitor and a pilot decorated for his tours of duty in the First World War. Born into a greatly accomplished family, Tom Hughes undoubtedly felt the weight of great expectations, but, imbued with the same sense of service as his grandfather and father, it was inevitable that Tom would add to the Hughes family legacy and leave his mark on his nation, and he most certainly did. Wartime pilot, barrister, parliamentarian and farmer—Tom Hughes's contributions extend from the cockpit to the courtroom and from the corridors of Canberra to the countryside. As historian and his biographer Ian Hancock wrote, 'Tom's first love was the law, but, like so many of the greatest generation, Tom put his life and love on hold to do his duty in war.' Piloting Sunderland flying boats, Tom and his crew supported the 1944 Normandy landings. They escorted allied convoys, uncovered enemy artillery placements and captured the German MV Rostock that was masquerading as a hospital ship. Whilst the unsuccessful hunt for U-boats left Tom somewhat disappointed, he was later decorated with the French Legion of Honour in recognition of his courage and deeds. Returning to Sydney, Tom finished his studies and was admitted to the bar in 1949. During the next 14 years, and in a thriving postwar economy, Tom had plenty of work. He built a reputation as a formidable and principled barrister who accepted briefs in a cab-off-the-rank manner, and he took silk in 1962. Tom's foray into the political realm started humbly, in handing out 'how to vote' cards. By 1963, the New South Wales Liberals resoundingly chose Tom to contest the seat of Parkes. With the help of a young campaign manager, as the Prime Minister pointed out, named John Howard, Tom Hughes achieved a two-party preferred swing of almost six per cent to win the seat. Serving as a backbencher during the apex of the Menzian era and tragically brief Holt prime ministership, Tom's talents were underutilised. But, in contesting the new seat of Berowra and with the backing of a new prime minister and fellow wartime pilot in John Gorton, Tom won a seat on the frontbench. The skilled barrister was appointed as the first law officer of Australia. In persona and performance in that role, Tom was pragmatic and non-partisan. His legal opinions were a hallmark of brevity, clarity and readability. As Attorney-General, Tom had notable successes. He prepared the Seas and Submerged Lands Act that clarified the Commonwealth's power over Australia's continental shelf and territorial sea. That power was upheld in a later High Court decision, a decision which has supported offshore oil and gas ventures in our nation's interests. Tom also argued and won the landmark concrete pipes case. That High Court decision helped safeguard free enterprise and bolster fair competition. As Attorney-General, Tom was also contending with controversy. Responsible for administering the National Service Act and prosecuting those who resisted the draft for Vietnam, he came up against a tide of anticonscription and antiwar sentiment. As the Prime Minister pointed out, in 1970, some 40 protesters turned up on the doorstep of the Hughes' family home. Tom's then five year-old son, Michael, was exhilarated by the experience, especially when his father confronted them with a cricket bat. An unfailingly loyal Gortonite, Tom admired his leader and his great friend for being an agent of change and a very decent man. But by 1971, the anti-Gortonites were working to bring down Australia's 19th Prime Minister. In this case, Malcolm Fraser proved to be the agent of change. At Gorton's memorial service, 31-years later, Hughes delivered a eulogy remembered not only for its regard for Gorton but also for its reprimand of Fraser. Demoted to the backbench by new Prime Minister, Billy McMahon, Tom called time in Canberra in 1972. He returned to his first love. In an age of increasing legal specialists, Tom remained a generalist. He moved seamlessly between constitutional, commercial and criminal law. With an insatiable appetite for working to win and a theatrical quality to his courtroom appearances, Tom's celebrity soared with his success. He finished his career as the capstone of the barrister pyramid. He was the venerable lion of the Sydney bar. Last year, I had the great honour to deliver the Tom Hughes Oration at the Sydney Opera House. It was the last that Tom would attend, but it won't be the last that honours Tom. Despite his frailty, Tom hadn't lost his formidable mind. We spoke about his property near Goulburn, Bannister Station, near Goulburn. Tom the grazier almost enjoyed winning a stock auction as much as a case in court. We discussed our mutual love of farming and we discussed our love of family as well. Ian Hancock's masterful biography of Tom Hughes finishes by quoting a letter Tom received from a fellow silk, Tom Bathurst, who had been appointed as Chief Justice of New South Wales. Bathurst wrote to Tom: Like many of my contemporaries I sought to model myself on you not only in relation to your outstanding forensic and legal abilities but also the dignity, honesty and integrity you brought to any matter in which you appeared. Those words speak volumes about Tom Hughes. On behalf of the coalition, I offer our heartfelt condolences to Tom's wife, Chrissie, to Tom's children, Tom, Michael and Lucy—and, of course, to Malcolm, as Tom's son-in-law—and to the wider Hughes family. I say, on behalf of the Liberal family, to the Hughes family, that we have nothing but respect for a great man, for a giant of our party, and for somebody who contributed so significantly to this great country. May a great Australian, from our greatest generation, rest in peace.