STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Mr TAYLOR (Hume—Leader of the Opposition) (14:00): Speaker, thank you for this indulgence. News broke this afternoon that Lily Hooper from Oakdale in my electorate was found deceased after an eight-day search in and around the Nattai National Park. Initial reports that she had been found alive proved to be wrong, and that makes the blow even worse.

We can only imagine what Lily's family is going through right now. Such news would be a nightmare for any parent, and we grieve for Lily's wider family and friends too. Lily loved bushwalking, and that only compounds the tragedy of her death.

I want to thank all of those who helped search for and locate Lily—hundreds of police, fire and emergency services, ADF personnel and volunteers. Any parent who reads this news will hug their children tighter tonight. When they do, they will spare a thought and a prayer for Lily's mother, father and family who can't do the same.

We grieve for their most terrible loss.