Ms LEY (Farrer—Leader of the Opposition) (14:06): On behalf of the opposition, I rise today to acknowledge the passing of Nick Bolkus. Nick Bolkus sat opposite the Liberal Party in the other place, but today I want to recognise his service to all Australians. Nick Bolkus served as a South Australian Labor senator for over two decades and held ministerial office in the Hawke and Keating governments. Born in Adelaide in 1950 to Greek migrant parents, Nick Bolkus's journey into public office represents so much that is good in the Australian story. He entered the Senate in 1981, representing South Australia until his retirement in 2005. During his service and following it, he was a prominent figure in South Australian politics and a significant voice within the Labor Party, and I know many on the other side of the chamber will feel the impact of his passing directly. He's perhaps best known for his tenure as Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, and, as the Prime Minister has alluded, this was a challenging period in Australian immigration policy. Senator Bolkus approached these issues from his perspective as the son of migrants, and he was a strong advocate for Labor's priorities of multiculturalism and refugee resettlement. While we on this side of the chamber often disagreed with his policy positions, it is important that we recognise that Senator Bolkus held his views with genuine conviction. Senator Bolkus worked across the political divide, even with those who opposed his worldview. Nick Bolkus spoke up for South Australia. He was a stalwart Labor member who believed in his party's principles and policies. He served his state, his party and his country according to his convictions. On behalf of the opposition, we extend our condolences to Senator Bolkus's family, his friends and his former colleagues today. We acknowledge his decades of parliamentary service and his contribution to public life. May he rest in peace. The SPEAKER: As a mark of respect to the memory of the hon. Nick Bolkus, I ask all present to rise in their places. Honourable members having stood in their places— The SPEAKER: I thank the house. Debate adjourned.