STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator POLLEY (Tasmania) (13:57): A great Tasmanian, Bill Lark, is a true Tasmanian living legend, a pioneer and one of our state's great tourism ambassadors. Mr Lark's remarkable journey began with a simple question on a fishing trip at Lake Sorell: why was nobody making malt whisky in Tasmania? Together with his wife, Lyn, Mr Lark challenged laws that had restricted distilling for more than 150 years.

In 1992 they secured Tasmania's first distilling licence since 1839 and founded LARK Distillery, helping to revive an industry that is now admired around the world. Through vision, perseverance and uncompromising commitment to flavour, Mr Lark showed that world-class single-malt whisky could be created in Tasmania. Using Tasmania's pure water, exceptional barley and cool climate, he produced whiskies of extraordinary richness and character, demonstrating that Tasmania could stand alone right beside Scotland and offer the whisky the world has got used to—but now they look to Tasmania for the distinctive flavour of his whisky.

Bill Lark has become an icon of Tasmanian tourism, welcoming visitors, sharing our island's story and mentoring a new generation of distillers. His induction into the world whisky hall of fame and his role with LARK's global ambassadors reflects the international respect he has earnt. Mr Lark is even doing whisky tours of Scotland now, showing people how whisky is made, and he's probably on his way to Japan now doing the same thing.

Mr Lark did more than build a distillery. He created belief. He showed that Tasmanians can produce the world's best products.

His legacy is poured into every glass, a lasting testament to Tasmania's integrity.