Mr PRICE(4.13 p.m.) —I do not wish to speak long or go over much of the ground that has already been gone over today. But I do want to say that, when I think of Don Dobie, the words that come to mind are of someone who was courteous, kindly and gentle, and someone who always had a smile for you when you met him in the corridors.

It was my privilege to go away on a trip—and perhaps that is the way most members get to know members from the other side—with Don in 1986. It was a trip to India and Sri Lanka. It was being led on this occasion by a woman member from our side of the House, and I have to confess that Don was less than impressed by the obsession with the order of cars and the formality and protocol of the meetings. He dubbed the whole exercise `gladioli diplomacy'. That is something that has always stuck with me, and I am not sure that it was meant as a compliment.

I think it is ironic that, having had a marginal seat, lost it, contested it and won it on 10 occasions, Don would have always, I think, aspired and hoped to have served this House as Speaker. In the one election where he announced his retirement, of course, the coalition had a magnificent victory. I think it is a sadness that someone who served this parliament so long should have enjoyed such a little retirement. I am pleased to say that it was my privilege to befriend Don and I am sorry to have seen him pass on.