CONDOLENCES

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (14:00): I move: That the House record its deep regret at the death, on 7 June 2026, of Professor Richard Scolyer AO, place on record its appreciation of his service and his contributions to the community, and tender its profound sympathy to his family in their bereavement. When Richard Scolyer passed away last month, we lost one of our biggest hearts and brightest lights, but how powerfully he blazed before he left us.

And somehow, in the fight of his life, he found the strength to lift us all. Professor Scolyer was named joint Australian of the Year in 2024 alongside his Melanoma Institute of Australia co-director, Professor Georgina Long. Together, they helped save countless lives through their melanoma research.

But, as Richard took his rightful place in the national spotlight, it was with his own life in the balance as he dealt with the reality of his brain cancer. No-one would have begrudged him a retreat into privacy. But that is not what Richard chose.

Instead, he took us all into his confidence. He shared his triumphs and his setbacks. He shared the joy he took in every extra day he was granted and his profound gratitude to everyone around him.

And what shone through it all was love for his family. Richard was on what he so gently called his 'uncertain path', but he travelled it with determination and a grace that never ceased to be simply extraordinary. The way he shared it with us was an act of generosity and a courage that was every bit as profound.

I will always regard it as one of the privileges of my time as Prime Minister that I got to spend time with such a remarkable yet self-effacing Australian. I got to count him as a friend, and, for years when I lived in Chelmsford Street, he was a neighbour. For that, I feel blessed.

In his final letter to Australia, he reminded us we all have a responsibility to try to change the future for others and leave the world a better place. How to handle that responsibility is something that has showed us every day through the power of his own example. It has been moving to hear his family describing his zest for life and the enthusiasm that he felt within himself and strove to ignite in others.

That is at the heart of the legacy that he leaves all of us. At the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, the recently established Richard Scolyer Chair will always bear his name. There are lives that will be longer thanks to all that he was willing to try.

And one day, when a cure for glioblastoma is at last found, Richard's name will be spoken. Later this month, we will gather in the Sydney Opera House to say our final farewell to Richard with all our respect, our admiration and our gratitude. On that day, as on every day, the hearts of all Australians will be with his wife, Dr Katie Nicoll, and their children, Emily, Matthew and Lucy.

They are here with us today. I thank you for gracing us with your presence and I welcome you to the House of Representatives. I say to them that we know these are anything but easy days for you—each one shaped by Richard's absence.

May you draw some comfort in how much Australia truly loved him, and may Richard Scolyer rest in peace.