CONDOLENCES › Little, Mr James Oswald (Jimmy), AO, Rose, Mr Iain Murray, AM
Ms GILLARD (Lalor—Prime Minister) (14:16): We have just expressed our condolences on the loss of two great Australians, but on indulgence I seek to mention two more. Since parliament rose in March we have lost two other great and remarkable Australians: Murray Rose and Jimmy Little. They came from vastly different backgrounds: Jimmy Little came from a family that had been in this land for millennia, and Murray Rose was born in Britain and his family came here, as many of us did, seeking a better life. Both men found opportunity in those far-off postwar days, when our nation was finding a new and wider sense of itself. Murray Rose found his destiny in the swimming pool, winning three gold medals at the Melbourne games that instantly converted him into a national hero. Three more medals at Rome in 1960 completed the haul, along with 15 world records across the span of his career. He spent the years after swimming working in television and movies, but mainly he dedicated himself to helping young people with disabilities. He was very appropriately selected as an Olympic flag bearer at the Sydney games in 2000, and that recognised his status as one of the immortals of world sport. Jimmy Little's destiny was sealed when he was given a guitar at the age of 13. He never looked back, signing his first record deal just six years later. He had a sweet and gentle voice and a sweet and gentle manner to go with it. His effortless grace and dignity were a living argument for Indigenous rights, and I do not think the 1967 referendum result would have been so decisive without his example and the bridge he built to ordinary Australians. From those very different careers and backgrounds, they both passed away last month within days of each other—two brilliant, generous lives; two gentlemen who enriched the life of our nation not only through their accomplishments but also through their characters. They leave us honoured, loved and very greatly missed. The condolences of this House and, I believe, the whole nation go to their families and their many supporters and friends.