Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan addresses Parliament for his Maiden Speech

Mr Conaghan spoke of his history in the electorate of Cowper and his family ties to the Macleay Valley.

"I hope that I will be defined, in time, by the totality of what I have achieved for the people of Cowper," he said.

On the foreshore of Port Macquarie's Town Green adjacent to Lady Nelson Wharf sits an oversized bronzed statue of Australia's First Prime Minster, Sir Edmund Barton.

The figure sits staring out over the Hastings River with a backdrop of the Banda Banda Mountain range. Observers would be forgiven for thinking that the statue was contemplating what might have been but for the selfless actions of one man, Francis Clarke.

Frank Clarke, a name synonymous with Kempsey, was a surveyor, draftsman and explorer of our great region. But he was also the Member for Hastings and Macleay between 29 May 1893 until 7 September 1898 at which time he chose to put his Nation before himself.

Very few know that in the July of 1898 Edmund Barton was defeated in the Election for the Seat of King putting the progress of the formation of Federation in danger. Recognising that Barton was essential to forward the cause, Clarke, on 7 September 1898 resigned his safe seat as member of Hastings and Macleay and took up the campaign for Barton and the Federation.

So on 23 September 1898 Edmund Barton was declared the newly elected Member for Hastings and Macleay and the rest, as they say, is history.

On Christmas day 1900, Barton was appointed Australia's first Prime Minister and on the first of Januaries 1901 people celebrated the Federation of Australian States.

In a speech by Edmund Barton at a meeting at the Theatre Royal in Kempsey he said:

"There was not, in the whole of the records of this country, a more chivalrous act of self-sacrifice than that which Mr Clarke had performed in the name of Australia."

He later described Mr Clarke's actions as 'Noble self sacrifice'

Following Federation and in March of that year, Clarke was elected as the First Member for the new Federal Seat of Cowper and today I recognise him, not only for being the first federal member of Cowper but, more so, for his selfless act for a Nation.

Mr Speaker, today, I am Honoured to give my maiden speech today as Cowper's ninth Member, but its first Kempsey born Member. Something I am extremely proud of.

Mr Speaker, there IS no doubt that the Electorate of Cowper is the jewel in the crown of the Australian Eastern Border. Stretching from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour joined by the many magnificent beaches where I had a miss-spent youth. The chain of the three picturesque valleys of the Macleay, Bellinger and Nambucca, all watched over by the beautiful Dorrigo plateau.

These are the traditional lands of the Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr people whose connection go back for tens of thousands of years and today I pay my respects to all their people past, present.

Mr Speaker, three things have forged my character that I can stand here today confident that I am able to represent all of the constituents throughout my electorate.

The first was my father. John Conaghan.

My father was born in Balmain in the early years of the great depression and, like all other Australians during that time, struggled significantly. His father passed away when he was 16 years old leaving him and his three siblings to work together to provide for the family.

He was fortunate that he was blessed with intelligence which he embraced, putting himself through medical school while working to make ends for his family.

The harshness of his formative years never left him. He always remembered where he had come from. He was an old school doctor with s bedside manner no longer seen, a gentle man with empathy, compassion and a social conscience.

He worked 6 days a week and on Sundays after mass he would go to the local hospital to do his rounds, quite often with children in tow. The only time that was sacra sancta was when his beloved tigers were being televised.

Mr Father was deeply, but privately, religious. He despaired at times at Man's inhumanity to Man, particularly the aged whom he believed should be treated with dignity in their final years, not discarded as a burden on society. In this regard he was right. Almost thirty years since his passing the aged care system is bowing under the weight of demand and residents are all too often treated as a number on a ledger to be measured in profit and loss. The need for a Royal Commission validates his decades old fear.

I am pleased however that this government has taken steps in recent times to address aged care with record funding however, more needs to be done. With 27% of residents over 65 in Port Macquarie alone with similar figures throughout Cowper, we must prepare now for their future.

My father worked as a doctor for almost thirty years in Kempsey. He was a general practitioner, obstetrician, surgeon, gynaecologist, and paediatrician. During my campaign I was complimented in a most peculiar way when a constituent told me "I don't normally vote for your side but considering your father delivered all my 6 kids I suppose I better". Those types of comments were very familiar during the campaign. 'Your father delivered me' or 'saved my life after I came off my bike' or 'was good to us when mum died'.

My father left me with three messages:

1. Have integrity; and always be humble;

2. Work hard to get ahead;

3. Remember that there are those less fortunate than you.

Humility and integrity are the cornerstones of leadership. For far too long in this Country, politics had been infused with celebrity, self-interest and ego, achieving only division throughout parties, government and the Nation. I do not discriminate with this comment and it is one of the reasons I stand here today. Having said that, I believe that that time has now come to a deserved end and that the interests of the Nation are once again at the forefront of the minds of those who lead it.

The second, Work hard to get ahead is an age old motto in Australia. It is an ethos of those who have lived here for many generations and those who migrated here pre and post the great wars. People like my father in law Joseph Kovach, who after World War II, came from Hungary to make a life here to be sent to a Cowra migrant camp. Not deterred he as, so many did, worked hard to build a life and making Australia and its diversity what it is today.

Mr Speaker, I had my first job at aged 13 cleaning the grounds and facilities of the Kempsey Pool after swimming training on a Saturday morning. My second job at 15 pushing trollies at Woollies during school holidays.

Australia is still a land of great opportunity for those who want to get ahead, regardless of class, race or region. The advancement of technology, science and industry enable our talented younger generation to continue to lead the way domestically and internationally through innovative ideas and the ability to think outside the box.

Those Australians who wish to work hard and get ahead must also know that they will be supported by a strong government to achieve their goals and initiatives. A government who enables first class education, facilities, programs through funding and support. This of course can only be done with a strong economy and a fiscally responsible government.

His third message Mr Speaker, was to remind myself that there are those who are less fortunate than us.

My father's social conscience, no doubt enhanced by his Hippocratic Oath, was strong. As a doctor in regional Australia he knew the disadvantages that country people face. He was also acutely aware of the disparity in health for Indigenous people, something which I am sad to admit remains. Never did he turn away a person at our front door, a parent with a sick child, a trauma victim or elderly person. He was often paid in kind or in produce, which was the country way. I often recall my mother lament, "John, we can't pay the bills in chokos".

My point, Mr Speaker, is that we as a government have a responsibility to look after those less fortunate than us. To show compassion to those who genuinely need help. But Mr Speaker, when I speak to the constituents of Cowper, the vast majority do not want a hand out but rather a hand up.

I recognise that the best form of welfare is a job and I acknowledge that over 1.3 million jobs have been created since the Coalition has been in Government, however, this does not account for the 20.3% youth unemployment in Coffs Harbour, the second highest in the Country, and almost double that of Port Macquarie only 153km away.

I have, since my election, formed a committee to develop a platform for a Youth Employment Summit in the months to come. However, I call on this Government to increase the recent announcement of 10 Youth Employment Hubs across the Nation to include a further one in Coffs Harbour to address this ongoing issue immediately for the youth of Coffs Harbour and the benefit of the Community.

Mr Speaker, the second influencing factor is my 12 years in the NSW Police Force.

I unashamedly say, these were the most difficult, confronting and emotionally exhausting years of my life. They were also the best years of my working life.

However, nothing could prepare me for the experiences faced by police on a daily basis. The same can be said about all emergency services personnel around Australia. Death was far too familiar. In my three years in Kempsey I saw countless fatalities on the Pacific Highway and country roads or tragic accidents on farms and private property. So when I see projects such as the Coffs Harbour by pass I see more than the convenience of missing 14 sets of traffic lights, I see a safer journey for the millions of Australians and Tourists who will drive it each year and I commend this Government for its continued commitment for funding this vital piece of infrastucture.

I also saw the willingness of one human to murder or inflict pain on another for little or no reason, the proliferation of child sexual assault and exploitation material, domestic violence and its ugliness, and, probably the saddest of all, mental health and suicide, particularly youth suicide. In this regard, I am again sad to say that in my electorate, youth suicide far exceeds the National average, if any average were ever acceptable.

Following my time in Kempsey, I was transferred as a Detective to serve as an Undercover Operative of the Drug Enforcement Agency, a unit of only 6 operatives at any one time throughout the state of New South Wales. Sporting a new persona, long hair, three earrings and a look that morphed between grunge, surfie and Eastern Suburb sect depending on the job, I spent two years away from my family, infiltrating criminal organisations and, in conjunction with other States, Territories and Federal Police, gathered information, purchased large quantities of illicit drugs, and prepared briefs of evidence to secure the arrests and successful prosecution of Criminals and organisations.

In hindsight, the significance of the work was lost on me as a 25 year old. As too was the intensity and danger. The tenure of two years was fixed for this very reason. Many failed to reach tenure. Many left, having spent 2 years living in, or on the periphery, of the criminal underworld, to re-enter mainstream policing with a confused caution toward police in what could be described as a pseudo Stockholm syndrome. I certainly fell into this category.

However, through the support of good mates, I again found my centre, and continued in an investigative capacity whilst, at the same time studying law. I later transferred to the Prosecuting Branch where I remained for four years before resigning to pursue a career in law.

Mr Speaker, I am not raising my policing career for dramatic effect. I do so for two reasons.

Firstly, we cannot wane on our war on drugs nor can we accede to a minority to consider legalisation through legislation. Our communities are awash with the catastrophic effects of this poison. Families torn apart and displaced, unemployment, violence, robberies and break and enters. The enormous and obvious consequence on the health and mental health system is palpable, not to mention the effects on those who work within those systems.

Our rural and regional communities should not be afraid to leave their homes, or worse, be afraid to remain in them with the knowledge that users don't think twice to break in. We must continue to not only protect our borders but embark in a strategic National approach of education and prevention for our youngest generation.

Secondly, I spoke of the difficulties of 'the job'. I am lucky as I came out relatively unscarred. This is not the case for so many emergency personnel. Year after year I have seen my former colleagues fall by the way side with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder simply to be forgotten or discarded. Made to fight the system just to receive the care they require, not to move on, but to simply survive. Mr Speaker, many have not.

As many of 20% of emergency workers are impacted by PTSD. Between 2001 and today, 68 serving police officers across the country have died by suicide. This does not take into account those who have left the force, nor does it take into account any other emergency service organisation past or present.

These are the people who serve and protect us. We as a government must do much more to serve and protect them. This cannot be passed off as a 'state issue'. We must work collaboratively as a government to do all we can for those who put themselves in harm's way for us.

But Mr Speaker, as I have said, these were the greatest days of my working life. Only working under such conditions can great comradery come. I have forged lifelong friendships through my time in the police. Two of whom, my closest mates, Craig Murray and David Newham are in the house today.

Mr Speaker, the last of the experiences that hold me in good stead to stand in this house are my 18 years of law. Not for the fact that I practiced law and have appeared as an advocate most days in court, although I recognise that this has and will continue to serve me well, but more so because I ran a practice, a small business, for over 16 years. I know what it is to employ people, to pay wages, to pay tax, and I understand how hard small business can be.

Mr Speaker, small and medium business are the backbone of Regional and Rural Australia. Around 4.8 million people currently work for small business. Without small and medium business there would be no regional Australia. Whether it is a trade, agriculture, retail or professional services these are the people that provide the jobs, businesses like Fairclough and Reynolds in Coffs Harbour, Expressway Spares in Port Macquarie or the Iconic Kempsey Café, Lou's Café.

Mr Speaker, these are the people and businesses that I will ensure that I support because I understand how difficult it can be, and how vital they are for the survival of our towns. I understand the significance of the small business tax rate being at its lowest since the 1940's, I understand that it can mean putting on another employee, or expanding or perhaps, rewarding yourself for the hard work and countless hours.

Mr Speaker, there are many who I need to thank.

Firstly my wife Ilona, whom I met under an assumed name, sporting my mullet, earrings and goatee. She has been able to overlook my deficiencies in looks and character and has been by my side for over 2 decades.

Opposites do attract. My wife has the personality and warmth that at times I may lack, often being referred to as 'Captain Grumpy' by my friends and colleagues. You have provided me with loving quiet counsel when needed, while at the same time raising our two sons. Rarely without a smile and never with a bad word about someone else, I cannot thank you enough. So in front of this whole country I say this "You can have that new kitchen!"

To my boys, Hugh and Hamish - you are never too old to give your Dad a hug. Be humble, work hard and you will get ahead and remember there are always those less fortunate than you. I love you and I am proud of you both.

My mum and siblings, Paul, Teresa, Margaret, Louise and Matthew, as well as my brother in law Tony for your support not just during the campaign but over the years.

Grant Brady SC for your wise counsel in law over the past 18 years.

Finally Mr Speaker I would not be here but for the enormous efforts of the National Party Members and volunteers, my campaign teams, booth captains, corflute kings, and all those who stood on pre-poll and Election Day, all too many to name, however all deserved of recognition in their own right. I have, Mr Speaker, a list of their names, 611 in total, and I seek leave to table the same in gratitude of their efforts.

Thank you to my predecessor Luke Hartsuyker for his 18 years of diligent service to this country and I wish him well in his future endeavours. Similarly, to the former Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser for his faith in me and his efforts during my campaign.

Thank you to The Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for your numerous visits throughout the electorate of Cowper. Your support and advice only strengthened my resolve to be here today. In that regard, I also recognise the vast assistance from Damien Challachor from the Deputy Prime Ministers office who took many late night and early morning calls.

Similarly, thank you to the Nationals Deputy Leader Bridget McKenzie for showing me that you are not only fitter than me, but also a better shot.

I also thank the Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his visit to Cowper. It showed my constituents that he is a Prime Minister for all Australian people.

Thank you to The Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams and chief of staff Terry Sara. My campaign manager Joshua Hodges, Noel Aitkin Federal Executive Chair, State and Deputy Directors Ross Cadel and Tom Aubert. Also to the recently retired Bede Burke and John Wakka Williams for imparting straight forward, no nonsense advice.

My co-campaign manager, long-time friend, and now chief of staff, Matt Field. A difficult campaign was made somewhat easier knowing that you had my back all the way. Starting kindergarten together has its advantages.

And lastly to all the constituents of Cowper who have put their faith in me to represent their best interests. I will endeavour to repay your trust to the best of my ability.

Mr Speaker, some seek to define us by our maiden speech. I want to be defined no more by this than I do by one arrest, one prosecution, or one case. I hope that I will be defined, in time, by the totality of what I have achieved for the people of Cowper

Mr Speaker I thank you for your indulgence.