Irwin A Passionate Ambassador For Australia And Animals

The Rev Fred Nile, MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, gave a heart felt tribute to Australian ambassador and animal conservationist Steve Irwin in State Parliament House yesterday.

"I am pleased to support the condolence motion, which states:

1. That this House notes the untimely and tragic death of Steve Irwin and extends its condolences to his wife, Terri, and his children, Bindi and Bob.

2. That this House recognises the positive contribution Steve Irwin made to conservation and to Australia's image worldwide.

3. That this House acknowledges that Steve Irwin's life mission was to educate people about the natural world and to convince them that many beautiful creatures were not as dangerous as generally perceived.

4. That this House acknowledges that Steve Irwin was the greatest ambassador for the animal world that the world has ever had.

Obviously I support all the sentiments expressed in that condolence motion. Steve Irwin was exceptional in his role as ambassador for the animal world. He was also a great ambassador for Australia and certainly upheld our reputation wherever he went. One of the amazing aspects following his tragic and unexpected death was the expressions of sympathy and condolence from all around the world. That is quite unusual for an Australian; it is usual for a prominent Australian to be recognised by Australians, but Steve Irwin was an Australian ambassador to the world. Condolences and expressions of sympathy have come from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Asia and Europe. That proves what an outstanding individual Steve Irwin was", stated Rev Fred Nile.

"I note that Steve Irwin's tragic and unexpected death resulted from the barb of a giant stingray piercing his heart. In reading about similar deaths I discovered that that is a common cause. Today the media reports another similar case in which the individual survived. One would wonder whether stingrays have an ability to identify heart beats in the human body and target that critical place with its barb. That is what happened to Steve Irwin.

Steve Irwin was truly an Australian battler. Steve's family came from Melbourne and then moved to Queensland. As a child, Steve worked with his father on the family reptile tourist park in Queensland. The television shows that I have watched acknowledge that Steve caught a crocodile in a river at his father's suggestion when he was only nine years old. Steve jumped out of the boat and wrestled with a young crocodile, and Steve's father pulled him and the crocodile into the boat. Steve had almost drowned; he was having trouble breathing because the crocodile had forced him under the water.

From childhood and into adulthood Steve Irwin was a passionate and fearless individual with an outstanding ability to relate to animals. Contrary to Germaine Greer's untimely and unnecessary criticisms, Steve loved animals and he fulfilled his mission as an environmentalist by creating an independent charity known as Wildlife Warriors Worldwide. As a wildlife warrior Steve encouraged children to become members of that foundation, which I hope will continue in his memory. Steve established the successful Australia Zoo from a smaller zoo that was originally commenced by his father. The word "Crikey" became Steve's trademark—a typical Aussie term that is still being used in Australia today. It might not be as well known by the younger generation but people of my generation know that it is a commonly used phrase.

Background material on Steve's wife, Terri, shows that she actively supports the church in the community and attends church with her children. Steve was a supporter of family life—something he demonstrated right up until last week, when he participated in wildlife activities with his children. An avid campaigner for the conservation of animals, Steve participated in a Federal Government quarantine campaign to protect Australia's native animals and primary industry from exotic overseas diseases. Steve was the real crocodile hunter, not the Paul Hogan phoney. As an actor Paul Hogan played the role of a crocodile hunter, but Steve Irwin was the genuine article. I extend my condolences to Terri, Bindi, Bob and Steve's father, who I am sure is greatly distressed at his son's unexpected death. I also extend condolences to all other members of Steve's family," Rev Nile stated.