STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator DEAN SMITH (Western Australia) (13:56): Happy 50th birthday to the Hyden branch of the Liberal Party in Western Australia. On 13 August 1976, Theo Marshall decided that simply casting a vote was not good enough. Determined to have a greater say in the future of our party and our state, he established the Hyden branch on his own initiative right in the heart of National Party territory.

It was a bold move, but Theo believed the Wheatbelt deserved a strong Liberal voice, and history has certainly vindicated that decision. I also pay tribute to inaugural vice-president Brian Mayfield, who later served an extraordinary 32 years as the branch president. Together, Theo and Brian built one of the Liberal Party's longest serving and most respected regional branches.

Despite being almost 350 kilometres from Perth, the Hyden branch has consistently influenced party policy and ensured the voices of regional Western Australians are heard. So powerful is the reach of the Hyden branch that in July 2016 two members of the Hyden branch travelled to Cleveland, Ohio, to attend the International Democracy Union executive meeting held alongside the United States Republican Party, representing Western Australian Liberals amongst centre-right political leaders from around the world.

The Hyden branch is proof that commitment matters more than geography and that dedicated local members can make a lasting contribution to our party. Congratulations to everyone who has contributed over the past 50 years. May it continue to thrive for many decades to come as a beating heart of the Liberal Party in National Party territory.