Abbott pays tribute to Don Randall

DON Randall, the federal member for the West Australian electorate of Canning, has been found dead. Police believe there were no suspicious circumstances.

In his maiden speech to the House of Representatives, Mr Randall spoke of his admiration for “a nation where people who are willing to make sacrifices can succeed”.

Randall, 62, a colourful and often outspoken parliamentarian, entered the House of Representatives with the Howard government in 1996, in the seat of Swan.

Police have confirmed Mr Randall was found dead in Boddington, south of Perth.

Paramedics attended but he could not be revived.

UPDATE: Sky News Australia reports it could be due to a heart attack.

‘On behalf of the Government and the Liberal Party, I convey my condolences and deepest sympathies to Don’s wife Julie and their two children, ‘ the Prime Minister said in a statement.

Abbott said on Tuesday night: “Don was an outstanding local member. He was a passionate and persuasive advocate in Canberra and a hardworking community leader in Western Australia”, the PM said.

‘It’s hard to credit that this strong voice for Western Australia and servant of our Party has left us so soon.

Labor leader Bill Shorten said Randall counted many people in the ALP as friends. Don was a thoroughly good and decent bloke, ‘ Mr Shorten tweeted. “This is a moment that puts daily politics in perspective, it reminds us of how precious life is”.

Politicians on both sides of parliament have expressed their condolences.

Absolutely shocked and devastated to hear about Don Randall.

“My deepest sympathies to the family & many friends of Don Randall”.

‘Vale Don Randall. A good friend and colleague. I will miss him.

Liberal MP Bob Baldwin said he couldn’t believe his “very close mate” had died.

Mr Randall’s federal political career was not without controversy.

The Liberal MP was one of two MPs behind the failed spill motion against Prime Minister Tony Abbott in February. He was one of the few Liberal MPs absent during the apology to the stolen generations and was involved in two expenses scandals in 2012, including almost $5300 trip to Melbourne for “sittings of parliament”. He was shadow parliamentary secretary for local government and met then opposition whip Warren Entsch at the time and the couple took possession of an investment property there following the visit.

Mr Randall was previously chairman of the joint standing committee on migration, and at the time of his death, was a member of the standing committees on procedure and selection, and the joint standing committee on defence, foreign affairs and trade.

The former horse trainer sparked opposition anger past year when he compared the plight of asylum seekers hoping to be allowed into Australia to betting on horses.

He offered to pay back more than $5,000 of public money for a trip to Cairns for him and his wife, where he claimed he had “electoral business”. Picture: Steve Ferrier/The West AustralianHe was born in Merredin and was a teacher for nearly 20 years prior to entering parliament.

According to the Parliamentary Library, the Speaker of the House of Representatives can issue a writ for the election of a new member.