STATEMENTS BY SENATORS
Senator KOVACIC (New South Wales) (12:50): For those of us in the New South Wales Liberal Party, the passing of the Hon. Bruce Baird is deeply felt. Bruce gave much of himself to our party and its people, and we have lost a much-loved friend, a generous mentor and someone whose belief in public service helped others find their own place in it.
Across two parliaments, Bruce made a contribution of lasting national significance. Elected as the member for Northcott in 1984, he served in the Greiner and Fahey governments, holding major responsibilities in transport, roads and tourism and serving as the Deputy Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party. As Minister for Sydney's Olympic bid, he helped secure one of the greatest sporting achievements in our nation's history.
Australians still speak with extraordinary affection about Sydney 2000. Behind those memories were years of work by people, including Bruce, who believed Australia could do something remarkable and committed themselves to making it happen. We should remember his part in giving our country that opportunity.
As the federal member for Cook from 1998 to 2007, Bruce brought experience and moral courage to this parliament. His advocacy helped secure changes that allowed children and families to leave immigration detention. There are people whose lives were changed because he was prepared to listen to their circumstances and argue their case, including within his own party, where it is at times the hardest.
I wish to associate myself with and share the comments made by the Hon. Julie Bishop during her eulogy at Bruce's funeral service on Monday. She said: 'He was entitled to hope for a ministerial promotion in Canberra, but it was not to be.
Some said it was because of the stance he took against the government's asylum seeker policies and human rights and humanitarian issues, and it cost him the ministry. I say his absence cost the ministry.' His commitment to these causes continued after he left parliament through his leadership of the Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council and his work as patron of the Asylum Seekers Centre.
He also continued championing Australian tourism, including leading the Tourism & Transport Forum during the industry's recovery from the pandemic. His willingness to serve endured throughout his life. Within our own party, the memories of Bruce will also be deeply personal.
Young aspiring Liberals found in Bruce someone who took an interest in them and wanted them to succeed. He gave his time and shared the wisdom he gained in public life with people who were only beginning theirs. Bruce didn't find it difficult to show compassion.
Those who sought his support could find an understanding ear, direct and honest guidance and a generosity that made challenges ahead feel more manageable. We owe him an enormous debt for that. At a time when the very principles of democracy are being threatened, we should recognise the value of a life lived this way and the lasting impacts of a person who demonstrates servant leadership.
Bruce strengthened our democracy through his achievements, through the humanity he brought to difficult debates and through his determination to encourage others to participate. He showed us how to hold our convictions firmly while treating others with respect. His example gives us a standard to aspire to.
To the Baird family I offer my deepest condolences and heartfelt thanks for all that Bruce gave to our country. He'll be missed and remembered with lasting affection.