Wednesday, 16 October 2024

 Paul MERCURIO (Hastings) (10:02): I am honoured to stand and pay my respects to Noel Pullen. It has been great to hear what people have said in this chamber about him. I did not know Noel for very long and I did not know Noel very well, but those who did know him will not be surprised to know that he left his indelible mark upon me and my life and I am forever grateful for that.

I first met Noel about 2½ years ago when I turned up to a branch meeting seeking endorsement, and I have often wondered what Noel thought of this dancer-actor bloke turning up thinking he could be a politician. Noel gave me respect. He gave me time and he listened. I do not actually know if he voted for me, but that does not matter, because once I was endorsed Noel was completely behind me. He had my back. I was always welcome at Noel’s kitchen table. I was always welcome to call him, and he always was welcome to call me. He stood behind me, and without a doubt the work he put in helped me to win the election. Again, I am forever grateful. Noel never, ever gave me the sense that we would fail, and that was his strength.

I am forever grateful to Noel, and I send my love to his family. He has done me proud. The other thing is that once we won the election, which I would pin to Noel, he was always proud. He was always a Labor man, but he was always proud and happy that we had achieved something. I am a better man for knowing Noel Pullen. Vale, Noel Pullen.