Mr LEESER (Berowra) (14:12): on indulgence—I'm honoured to follow the beautiful words of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in their fine tributes to Tom Hughes. For most of us, our time as members of parliament will be the most significant contribution we make to Australian public life. For others, like Jim Molan or Patrick Dodson, service in the parliament is a grace note to a contribution that's been substantially made elsewhere. Tom Hughes belongs to a third category, where distinguished service in the parliament is part of a rich tapestry of a broader series of contributions in a life well lived. Tom Hughes was a war hero, a barrister, a farmer and a parliamentarian. During World War II, he served in the RAAF and was part of the invasion of Normandy. For his part in the skies, Tom received the French Legion of Honour. Tom Hughes came from a family where public service is a watchword. He was first elected in 1963 as the member for Parkes. When Parkes became abolished, Tom became the first member for Berowra. I often reflect on the truth of Tom's description of the communities of Berowra as being separate Italian city-states, each with its own identity, personality and traditions. No-one should confuse Mount Colah for Mount Kuring-gai, Glenhaven from Glenorie. In my first election campaign, in 2016, there were still a handful of people who had worked on Tom's election campaign in 1969 and remembered it fondly. Although Tom didn't live in the Berowra electorate, the most substantial contribution he made as a parliamentarian was during his years as its representative. It was during that time that he served as Attorney-General in the government of his friend, John Gorton. As the Leader of the Opposition said, he sought to use that time to expand the use of Commonwealth power in the corporations and seabed areas and had a clear understanding of the need to keep Australians safe. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have both retold the most famous image of his time as Attorney-General where he wielded a cricket bat to ward off protesters who had come to invade his family home. The leading protester that day, described by biographer, Ian Hancock, as a 'credentialled and career demonstrator' was later the future New South Wales Labor minister, Ian McDonald. When John Gorton lost the prime ministership, Tom also left the parliament but he remained loyal to Gorton to the end. Not since Pericles has there been a more famous or cutting funeral oration than the one Tom delivered at John Gorton's funeral. After politics Tom returned to the bar. He was admitted to the Bar in his 20s and left the bar at age 90. At his peak, every big case required Tom Hughes. As I have told the House before, at one time he was defending Gough Whitlam in a case in a New South Wales court whilst simultaneously seeking an order against Mr Whitlam in an ACT court. They were totally unrelated matters, but such was his reputation that everyone was happy with such an arrangement. Tom Hughes was a wonderful mentor and friend to me. With considerable chutzpah, I reached out to Tom when I was standing for preselection, hoping to meet with him and perhaps secure an endorsement. Tom was onto my intentions. He said he would be very happy to meet with me if I was the successful candidate, which he duly did, and there formed a beautiful friendship. On my first trip to Canberra as the new member for Berowra, I drove to Bannister, about half an hour out of Goulburn, to see Tom and Chrissie to talk about politics and my new responsibilities. Tom gave me excellent advice on my maiden speech, great advice to any parliamentarian—stick to only one or two topics. He did me the great honour of attending the speech. He took an interest in the politics of the day, particularly the progress of his son-in-law's government, and was full of stories of his own service here. Tom mentored me in my service in Berowra. He wanted to know how the community was going. He asked about people and their issues. He asked about how I found dealing with local party affairs—something with which he had struggled—and he wanted to know what I was up to in Canberra. In 2017, he allowed me to name an annual address—the Tom Hughes Oration—in his honour. That oration has been delivered, among others, by three former prime ministers and the Leader of the Opposition. In addition to the significant address given by each of the speakers, the highlight of each oration was Tom's vote of thanks. Even last April, at the Sydney Opera House, at age 100, Tom drew energy speaking to the assembled crowd, who hung on his every word. The eighth Tom Hughes Oration will be delivered next week by the shadow Treasurer, who has been Tom's local member for many years. Throughout my service here I have been very grateful for Tom's encouragement. He would occasionally send me notes of good wishes and was particularly proud when I was the shadow attorney. I will be forever grateful for his friendship. To Chrissie, Malcolm, Lucy, Tom Jr, Michael and the whole Hughes family, may Tom's memory be a blessing.