The prime minister has met one of the most beloved Australians to discuss his battle with motor neurone disease and his courageous message of hope and determination.
Anthony Albanese welcomed Australian of the Year Neale Daniher to the federal parliament on Tuesday and told the House of Representatives the pair had caught up in person earlier in the day.
"It was a delight, just as it was absolutely a wonderful evening at the arboretum, where Neale was designated as a very worthy Australian of the Year," he said before question time started.
"Since Neale was diagnosed with MND in 2013, he has inspired all Australians with his battle against what he calls the beast.
"What you have done is truly extraordinary through FightMND, those iconic beanies and the famous Big Freeze Slide on the King's Birthday at the (Melbourne Cricket Ground)."
Mr Daniher's efforts have raised more than $117 million to fund research into a cure, Mr Albanese said.
"Neale, yours is a message of hope, a message of courage and a message of determination," he said.
"It has touched the lives of so many Australians. You lift us all up. Welcome to our parliament and thank you, mate, for what you do."
His comments were met with long applause before Opposition Leader Susan Ley rose to congratulate Mr Daniher, 64, for being named Australian of the Year.
"I want to recognise, as does all of the coalition and, of course, the whole parliament, the tremendous contribution that you continue to make fighting MND," she said.
"You are universally loved and admired. Your commitment to fighting the beast is a testament to your vision, your courage and your sense of community."
Mr Daniher, who was a co-founder of FightMND and a former Australian Rules footballer, was named Australian of the Year in January.
A player across 82 games with Essendon, Mr Daniher also coached Melbourne in the AFL.
He has lived with MND for more than 10 years, defying the average life expectancy of just 27 months, according to the FightMND website.
