General Debate

Malouf, Mr David George Joseph, AO

House of Representatives · Thursday 14 May 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Members of the Australian Labor Party delivered tributes to David Malouf AO, who passed away on 22 April 2026 aged 92. Andrew Leigh highlighted Malouf's literary achievements, including his novels and poetry, and his ability to elevate Brisbane's cultural status. Renee Coffey shared personal reflections on Malouf's connection to South Brisbane and the impact of his work on local identity. Both speakers emphasised Malouf's contribution to Australian literature and his exploration of memory and belonging.

Outcome

The statements were delivered without a formal vote or motion result.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Andrew Leigh (Fenner) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Leigh argued that Malouf enlarged the imaginative map of Australia by transforming Brisbane into a significant literary landscape. Leigh noted that Malouf's diverse background informed his exploration of identity as a series of crossings rather than fixed categories. Leigh cited major works such as Fly Away Peter, The Great World, Remembering Babylon, and Ransom as central to Australian letters. Leigh stated that Malouf demonstrated how local content could support the significance of global literature and encouraged readers to inhabit the minds of others.