I rise to speak about my friend the Hon. Con Sciacca AO—a great friend to many in

this place and an amazing Australian. In my first speech in this place, I said there were people who had helped

me to get elected. Con Sciacca was top of that list. For over twenty years, Con has been a tower of strength to

my family. He paved and, in some cases, literally bulldozed, the way to help me become the member for Oxley.

Con is one of the true characters on the Australian political, business and legal landscapes. He is a Labor giant and

there has been no better Minister for Veterans' Affairs in our nation. He has been a fixture in the legal profession

in Queensland for over four decades and an enormously successful businessman. Con has achieved all of this

while never forgetting where he came from and always remembering the positive and powerful change politics

can make for working people.

As we head towards Christmas, Con is battling some serious health issues, with his beautiful wife, Karen,

daughter Zina and precious granddaughter Grace with him every day. I know Con is strong and I know I speak

for many of us in this place, across the political divide, that we are all thinking of you, Con. You are in our

thoughts and prayers. There is no better fighter than Con Sciacca. Con, we are all by your side.