STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr DAVID SMITH (Bean—Government Whip) (13:31): Today I sadly rise to acknowledge the passing of Joseph McGrail Bateup. Joseph would be known by most as the world's loudest man, having been recognised by Guinness World Records for recording the world's loudest shout. Joseph was able to clock 122.4 decibels, being louder than a jet taking off, a chainsaw, a police siren or a clap of thunder.

But his impact on the community was far greater. This wasn't his only world record; he also held the world record for the fastest time to shoot 10 arrows into a target set in Bean at the Tuggeranong Archery Club. And, for as long as I can remember, he was our town crier, a focus of goodwill and welcome at so many community events.

Joseph hosted the popular online trivia show The No-Name Trivia Show, and a couple of months ago I was able to enjoy his commanding performance in the Irish Community Players' production of Peter Lalor at Eureka down at the Canberra Irish Club. My thoughts are with his family, his friends and the many Canberrans whose lives he touched as his voice rang out across the region and echoed right back at us.