House of Representatives on Tuesday 10th February 2026

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Today, I want to honour a young man who put his life on the line for his family.

Now, the story begins on the WA South Coast last month, where a family holiday became a life or death emergency. A mum and her kids were out on the water, kayaking on a beautiful summer's day in Geographe Bay. And then the wind came up, the sea turned, and they were pulled out to the deep. And very quickly they were stranded, exhausted, and afraid.

And the clock was ticking.

And that's when 13-year-old Austin Appelbee was asked by his mother to do something extraordinary. She asked Austin to swim for shore and get help. And swim he did - for four kilometres through open and unforgiving ocean. His mission was very simple - to save his family. Now, Austin didn't panic. He took on the job and just kept swimming. And when he finally hit the beach, he kept moving. He got up, ran two kilometres for help, and set in motion the rescue that saved his mum, his brother, and his sister.

What Austin did was incredible, and that's why I'm honouring him here today in this House. His actions were brave, and they were selfless. And Austin showed us a quiet heroism that reminds us of previous generations of Australians who have stood up during wars, natural disasters, and other national trials. Austin saved his family, but he also showed us that Aussie kids have what it takes in a crisis. I believe in our Aussie kids, their potential, and their ticker.

And that's why I have hope in Australia's future.