Mr LITTLEPROUD (Maranoa—Leader of the Nationals) (14:09): I thank the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for their beautiful words. On behalf of the Nationals, it is with a heavy heart that I extend our sincerest condolences and respects to the family, friends and colleagues of former member for Gippsland the Hon. Peter Nixon AO. His passing on 1 May, at the age of 97, is a profound loss for our nation. It's a loss that has been felt deeply across regional Australia. Today, as this parliament honours Peter's life of achievements and his extraordinary legacy, we reflect on a man who will always be an admired and enduring champion of the National Party. Throughout his life, Peter Nixon was known as a man of integrity, a man of decency, a man of courage, a man of conviction and a man who'll be remembered for his incredible career of public service—a career that spanned decades. Born and raised in rural Victoria on a family property in Orbost, East Gippsland, from a very young age Peter always lived and breathed agriculture, and that's what he initially pursued. After starting out as a fourth-generation farmer, Peter would ultimately be elected as the Country member for Gippsland in 1961 following the retirement of incumbent George Bowden. For the next 22 years, Peter Nixon would profoundly represent this beautiful electorate. Throughout those 22 years he represented this region, these communities and his people with humility, passion and purpose. Above all, he always put his constituents and his electorate first. As a young MP, and equipped with a tenacious work ethic and strong professional drive, Peter rose through the parliamentary ranks of the Country Party, soon finding himself promoted as a minister, in 1967, under the leadership of the formidable John 'Black Jack' McEwen. What followed was a distinguished and lengthy ministerial career. Famously, Peter Nixon served under five prime ministers and held a range of portfolios, including as the Minister for the Interior, the Minister for Shipping and Transport, Postmaster General, and the Minister for Primary Industries. Peter was a true political heavyweight, and during his time in parliament he absolutely did not hesitate to throw his weight around. He thrived on the political front line of the Country Party, in the thick of the trenches, with the likes of John McEwen, Doug Anthony and Ian Sinclair. He was tough, but he was fair, and he always fought hard for his beliefs. He relished the heat of parliamentary combat, the adrenaline of robust debates and the fierce clash of ideas with those sitting across the chamber, But, despite these tussles, what Peter commanded with ease during his career was respect. He had the respect of his colleagues on all sides of the parliament. They respected his passion, his judgement, his values and the unwavering authenticity of his character. As John Howard recalled to the Australian, the Hon. Peter Nixon 'possessed one of the finest political minds I have encountered in my years of public life'. Peter's decision to retire from federal politics in 1983 did not end his substantial contribution to public life. After returning to farming in East Gippsland, he would serve as chair of Southern Cross Broadcasting and was also one of the original AFL commissioners. Under his leadership, Southern Cross Broadcasting underwent significant expansion, while Peter's tireless effort at the AFL helped it grow into a truly national competition. Fittingly, in 1993 he was recognised with an Order of Australia. Of course, supporting Peter faithfully throughout this remarkable journey was his family, especially his wife, Sally, who he married in 1952, and their three children, Joanne, Mark and Chris. It is during this challenging time that our thoughts and our well wishes go out to all Peter's family and everyone who knew and loved him. When we look back on Peter Nixon's life, we will remember him for many things. We will remember a loyal, towering statesman of the National Party. We will remember a political leader of determination and intellect. We will remember this farmer from East Gippsland who had a crack in politics and ended up making an immense contribution to the fabric of our nation, especially in regional Australia. These are legacies to be proud of. So, today this parliament remembers and honours the Hon. Peter Nixon AO. May he rest in peace.