Bruce Scott (Maranoa, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to honour the work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. For more than 80 years, since the first flying doctor was hired by the Reverend John Flynn to fly into remote North Queensland, the RFDS have saved numerous lives and comforted families across Queensland and in many parts of remote Australia. At the same time, they have conquered the isolation of the bush.

In my own electorate of Maranoa, my constituents truly appreciate the invaluable service of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. In fact, any visitors to the famous Birdsville Pub are asked to donate to the Royal Flying Doctor Service for any photos taken inside the pub and, if someone dares walk into the pub with a baseball cap on backwards, they incur a fine in the form of a gold coin donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Visitors may get a giggle from the light-hearted signs around the pub, but the people of the Diamantina shire and in fact many other remote communities, particularly up there in Birdsville, are deeply serious about supporting a service to which so many owe their lives.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations and gratitude to the RFDS. Whether providing emergency care, delivering a baby or holding health clinics for remote communities, for more than 80 years the flying doctors, nurses and pilots have worked tirelessly to help the people of the outback. I salute them and I thank them for saving so many lives, both young and old.