Mr RANDALL (1:41 PM) —It is my privilege today to speak on this motion, which celebrates 50 years of the development of the Pilbara and, more particularly, the contribution made by Lang Hancock through his discovery of that magnificent iron ore deposit. We have heard ad infinitum that Lang, on that fateful day in November 1952, in order to get away from an oncoming storm sent his plane through a gorge and saw the—largely rusting—iron walls of that gorge.

I have a particular interest in this not just because I am a Western Australian and not just because I am an admirer of Lang Hancock's achievements. I began my teaching life in the Pilbara, in the small town of Wickham, which is associated with the production and ongoing refinement of iron ore from the area. I say at the outset that the Pilbara would probably not have been the Pilbara we know today without Lang Hancock. The growth of the Pilbara has largely been because of Lang Hancock's vision and foresight to pursue his challenge and demonstrate the perspicacity needed to see a discovery through to production. It is that sort of person who makes a great Australian. It is Lang Hancock, a great Australian, whom we celebrate today.

I must correct something the member for Cowan unfortunately dragged into this debate. If it had not been for then mines minister Sir Charles Court, who actually helped cut through the bureaucracy to bring forward the production—

Mr Edwards —That is Lang Hancock's own view!

The SPEAKER —The member for Cowan knows the standing orders.

Mr RANDALL —a mines minister with foresight—then the production of the Hamersley iron deposit would not be what it is today. It was not just one person who was responsible for the Pilbara iron ore discovery and production; we know that Peter Wright, Lang Hancock's partner, was also integral to the production of iron ore in the Pilbara. It is important to note that the vision of people like Lang Hancock has benefited many people. In this case, not only has his vision provided jobs in the Pilbara and royalties to Western Australia—royalties that have flowed through to the federal government—but also he has contributed to the general health and wellbeing of this country. His family is very proud of him. His daughter, Gina, and his grandchildren are very proud of him. I would, like the member for Hume, also like to acknowledge his first wife, Hope Hancock, who, as a station owner in pretty austere conditions in the outback of Western Australia, helped develop this resource in conjunction with Lang.

The SPEAKER —Order! It being 1.45 p.m., the debate is interrupted in accordance with standing order 106A. The debate is adjourned. The resumption of the debate will be made an order of the day for the next sitting. The member for Canning will have leave to continue speaking when the debate is resumed.