Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor have spoken on a condolence motion for Alby Schultz in parliament today.

Addressing his comments to Mr Schultz’s wife Gloria and his sons Grant and Dean who were sitting in the public gallery, Mr Taylor said he was humbled to walk in Alby’s shoes.

“As we all know, Alby commanded enormous respect in this Chamber. It is a privilege to say a few words, with his family here, and on behalf of the people of Hume.

“Alby meant so many things to so many people. One of his former State colleagues said: “When you had Alby on side you had his whole heart. Half measures were not possible. To me, that pretty much sums him up.

“Alby’s courage was legendary. He saw off his eye accident with stoicism, he stood up relentlessly for issues that he believed in, despite great resistance. He fought his cancer with courage. He was brave all the way. And bravery is one of the finest attributes we can have, as a representative of others, and in life.

“Following, as I do, in his footsteps, I have heard so many stories about Alby helping people. From his earliest days in public life he loved to help people in need. I can’t go into a town or village in my electorate – without hearing a story about what Alby did for someone. And that was before we lost him. The tributes and emails are rolling in. 

“With that big, big heart Alby loved people. He loved his town of Cootamundra, he loved his constituents (or, at least, most of them). He loved his boys, Grant and Dean, and his daughters-in-law, Bec and Dev, and he adored each and every one of his grandchildren. More than anything he loved Glo. They were a team and we all benefited from that team – friends, family and the community. 

“On behalf of the people of Hume, I say to Glo, to Grant and Dean, and your families, we are all the better for knowing Alby. He was courageous. He was caring. And he was so widely loved. It is humbling to walk in his shoes.”