Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Prime Minister for his heartfelt words. On behalf of the Federal Coalition, I express my condolences to the family and friends of Neale Daniher AO and the wider AFL community on his sad death.
Neale was a champion footballer, a mighty coach, a family man, and an all-round outstanding Australian. A Victorian of the Year and Australian of the Year. His fundraising work was instrumental in helping Australians fight Motor Neurone Disease.
He fought the "beast", as the Prime Minister rightly described his way of characterising it, to the last. Never waving a white flag and carrying on with his customary wit and grace. Neale was a fighter to the end.
That MND fight will now carry on in so many who have been inspired by Neale. The sight of thousands of Melburnians with their Big Freeze beanies was a testament to Neale's advocacy and awareness-raising of this absolutely insidious disease.
The "Walk the Walk", the "Big Freeze", and the "Fight MND" are traditions thanks to Neale.
He was a best and fairest on the footy field and in life. He was known as the Reverend, and the Rev was revered for his passionate public speaking.
We are thinking of those dearest to him as well. His wife Jan, his children Lauren, Luke, Bec, and Ben.
May he rest in peace.
