Stone, Mr John Owen, AO

Smith acknowledged Stone's service as a Senator and Shadow Finance Minister during the Hawke-Keating era. Smith noted that while he disagreed with Stone's economic rationalist views, he respected his role in robust public discourse. Smith highlighted Stone's resignation from the Treasury in 1984 and his subsequent political career. Smith emphasised the importance of respectful debate despite deep ideological differences.

O'Brien traced Stone's early life in Western Australia and his academic achievements, including becoming a Rhodes Scholar. O'Brien outlined Stone's career progression through the Treasury and his later roles in academia and public commentary. O'Brien noted Stone's appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2022. O'Brien described Stone as a man of integrity who valued vigorous debate as essential to democracy.