Opening of Session-Election of Speaker-28 October, 1981 29

Wednesday, 28 October, 1981

FIRST SESSION OF THE FORTY-SEVENTH PARLIAMENT The House met at 2.15 p.m., pursuant to the proclamation of His Excellency the Governor. The Clerk read the proclamation. The Clerk announced that he had received a list, certified by His Excellency the Governor, of the names of the members to serve in this Parliament, together with the writs on which they had been returned; with His Excellency's certification that the writs had been returned prior to the day by which they were by law returnable.

OPENING OF SESSION The Usher of the Black Rod, being admitted, delivered a message from the Commissioners requesting the immediate attendance of this House in the Legislative Council Chamber to hear the Commission for the opening of Parliament read. The House went, and members having returned,

OATH OR AFFIIWATION OF ALLEGIANCE The Clerk informed the House that His Excellency the Governor had issued a Commission authorizing the Hon. N. K. Wran, the Hon. L. J. Ferguson and the Hon. P. F. Cox to administer the oath or affirmation of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen required by law to be taken or made by members of the Assembly. The Clerk read the Commission.

MEMBERS WORN All members, with the exception of Mr Jones, Mr O'Connell and Mr O'Neill, took and subscribed the oath or affirmation, and signed the roll.

ELECTION OF SPEAKER Mr PETERSEN (Illawarra) [3.2]: Mr Clerk, I move: That Lawrence Borthwick Kelly do take the chair of this House as Spder. 30 ASSEMBLY-Election of Speaker

This is the third time that I have had the honour of proposing the honourable member for Commal for the high office of Speaker. In 1976 I seconded the motion moved by the honourable member for Balrnain. In 1978 I moved a motion similar to the one I have moved today. On that occasion I said that I looked forward to being a member of the Forty-seventh Parliament, when another member would again nominate the honourable member for Corrimal for the Speakership. As a representative of a neigh- bouring electorate and a political and personal friend for twenty-four years, I am flattered that rather than call upon another member to nominate him, he has requested me to do so.

Since his election to Parliament in 1968 the honourable member for Corrimal has been an avid student of the workings of Parliament. In the Forty-fourth Parlia- ment he became a member of the Standing Orders Committee-an experience that stood him in good stead when he was elected Speaker of the Forty-fifth Parliament. In 1976 I said that if there was one reason for preferring him to a candidate of the coalition parties, it was his attachment to democracy as a form of government. At that time the Labor Party had a majority of only one in the Legislative Assembly. Labor's commitment to the principles of democracy were fully tested by the Opposition, particularly when it is considered that Labor had a minority of one in the grossly undemocratic, anachronistic Legislative Council. It was indicative of the man's stature in office that I could say in 1978 that the honourable member for Corrimal had not disappointed us in our expectations of him as Mr speaker-demonstrated by the fact that he was unopposed in caucus when nominated for the position.

In 1978 the Labor Government had a majority of twenty-seven in the Legis- lative Assembly and a majority of three in the partially democratically elected Legis- lative Council. I must say, frankly, that in the past three years with those numbers life became much more joyous, with Mr Speaker Kelly in full control of the House. The successful implementation of the Government's legislative programme was in no small part due to the way in which though allowing the opposition the full rights to speak and criticize, Mr Speaker Kelly made it his duty to ensure that the progressive policies of the Labor Government were carried through. As part of his duties in the office of Speaker the honourable member for Corrimal has been chairman of two important committees of Parliament-the Building Committee and the House Com- mittee. His accountancy experience was extremely valuable in overcoming difficulties experienced in moving to our present, much more adequate quarters than existed in the old building, which lacked both convenience and architectural merit. The new building will be completed during this term of Parliament. The fact that the changes have been made with a minimum of disruption and with a maximum of concern for the needs of members is due undoubtedly to his administrative competence, which I am glad to recognize. Additionally, Mr Speaker Kelly displayed a concern for the rights of the staff, which is a credit to his Labor principles. However, important though that administrative competence may be, it is not only for that ability that he will be remembered.

The term of the honourable member for Corrimal as Speaker will be remembered as one in which a Labor Government carried through reformist programmes that had the undoubted support of a majority of the people of New South Wales. That support was reilected again in the results of the recent elections. The fact that the Labor Party's majority increased to thirty-nine in the Legislative Assembly and to four in the Legislative Council is due basically to the satisfaction that the electorate in general displays towards the New South Wales Labor Government. An integral part of that Gover~lmentis the office of Speaker. The contributions made by Mr Speaker Election of Speaker-28 October, 1981 3 1

Kelly have increased public confidence in the role of government. I urge honourable members to vote unanimously to elect Lawrence Borthwick Kelly again as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales. Mr QUINN (Wentworthville) [3.9]: Mr Clerk, I second the motion. Honour- able members are aware that the honourable member for Corrimal has occupied the position of Speaker of this House during the terms of the past two Parliaments. He has carried out his duties with dignity and has been a true guardian of the rights and privileges of all members of this House, irrespective of the side of the House upon which they may sit. He is a strong disciplinarian and has maintained order on difficult occasions when a lesser man may have failed. He has used Standing Order 387 and Standing Order 392 only as a last resort, and then only after frequent warnings. Members of the Opposition may complain that those orders are applied only to Opposition members. I, too, thought that when I occupied a seat on the Opposition benches under the Speakerships of the late Sir Kevin Ellis and the present honourable member for North- cott. The true position is that Government supporters, having been repeatedly called to order, either comply with Mr Speaker's directions or quietly leave the Chamber.

The honourable member for Corrimal has demonstrated his ability to exert control over all members of the House, whether they be the Premier, Ministers, party lenders or private members. His rulings have been fair and consistent. He has proved himself to be a worthy custodian of the rights and privileges of all members. He is the choice of the Labor Party. I commend the motion to the House. Mr KELLY (Corrimal) [3.10]: I accept the nomination and submit myself to the will and pleasure of the House. Mr DOWD (Lane Cove), Leader of the Opposition [3.10]: It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the Opposition to state that it does not oppose the nomination of Lawrence Borthwick Kelly, the former Speaker of the House, for re-election to this high office. Indeed, the Opposition would contemplate no one else from the Govern- ment benches to hold that post. No other Speaker, I might say, will have had an Opposition so willing to respect the proceedings of the House, especially decisions from the Chair. Parliament would be a dull place indeed without the glimpses of democracy that set us apart from the rest of the world.

Though it seems to Opposition members that there have been times when the Speaker's rulings have been somewhat more rigorous than we would have liked, I note that I have suffered his censure on four occasions only. I think that is a tribute to the former Speaker's patience rather than to my conduct. I have served in this Parliament under only two Speakers, and as I understand that the other person who served as Speaker in my time in this House is not available for the office, I say only that I have learned much about the office of Speaker as I have observed Lawrence Borthwick Kelly carrying out his duties.

In making these remarks I wish to thank the honourable member for Corrimal for the assistance he has given to me and for the courtesy he extended to my colleagues and staff inside and outside the House prior to 19th September and since that time, in what sometimes have been trying days. I look forward to maintaining an excellent working relationship with the new Speaker. Mr PUNCH (Gloucester) , Leader of the Country Party [3.12]: The Country Party does not oppose the appointment of Lawrence Borthwick ICelly as Speaker. I trust that the impartiality he has shown will continue to be demonstrated, particularly in regard to question time and the allocation of questions. 32 ASSEMBLY-Election of Speaker-The Ministry

Question-That Lawrence Borthwick Kelly do take the chair of this House as Speaker-put by the Clerk. Motion agreed to. Lawrence Borthwick Kelly was then taken out of his place by Mr Petersen and Mr Quinn and conducted to the chair. Mr Speaker, standing on the upper step, said: I deeply appreciate the great honour that you have conferred on me again in electing me to this high office. I thank you sincerely. I express my gratitude to my colleagues the honourable member far Illawarra and the honourable member for Wentworthville. Their remarks when speaking of my worthiness were more than generous. I trust that I shall live up to the expectations of all honourable members. I give an undertaking to safeguard zealously the rights and privileges of all honourable members and to try to honour the vote of confidence that they have given me today. Mr Speaker took the chair. Mr WRAN (Bass Hill), Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources [3.14]: On behalf of my colleagues, I convey to you our warm congratulations on your re-election to the most esteemed office of Speaker. In this office, the highest in Parliament, you are the custodian of the ancient rights and privileges of all members, of whatever political persuasion. The institution of Parliament that we all serve is greater than political parties. There is no need to remind you of your obligation to interpret impartially, without fear or favour, the rules and customs that are necessary for the good conduct of the Legislative Assembly. You may be assured that your rulings in this Chamber will have the complete support of the Government, and I am hopeful that that support will be given also by honourable members opposite. In your previous terms as Speaker you have shown yourself to be well-versed in the standing orders, procedures and customs of this House. I am confident that you will continue to fulfil your role with dignity and distinction. Once again, I congratulate you on your appointment and wish you well as Speaker. Mr SPEAIWR: I thank the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources for his kind expression of congratulations and good wishes. I look again to all honourable members for their indulgence, forbearance and co-operation so that the business of the House might be proceeded with in an orderly manner that will ensure that the dignity of this old and honourable Chamber, of which we are all justifiably proud, shall be maintained at all times.

PRESENTATION OF Mr SPEAKER Mr WRAN (Bass Hill), Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources [3.16]: His Excellency the Governor has indicated that he will receive you, Mr Speaker, and members of the House at Government House at 4.45 p.m. this afternoon.

THF3 MINISTRY Mr WRAN: I desire to inform the House that on 2nd October, 1981, with a view to reconstructing the ministry, I submitted to the Governor my resignation as Premier and Treasurer and as a member of the Executive Council, an action which The Ministry-Business of the House-28 October, 1981 33 involved the resignation of all of my colleagues. His Excellency immediately recommissioned me to form a new ministry. On the same day I was sworn in as Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources and as a member of the Executive Council, and the following gentlemen were appointed by His Excellency as Members of the Executive Council and to the oEces indicated: The Hon. Laurie John Ferguson, M.P., Deputy Premier, Minister for Public Works and Minister for Ports; The Hon. Peter Francis Cox, M.P., Minister for Transport; The Hon. Francis John Walker, Q.C., M.P., Attorney-General, Minister of Justice and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; The Hon. Patrick Darcy Hills, M.P., Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Technology; The Hon. David Paul Landa, LL.B., M.L.C., Minister for Energy, Minister for Water Resources and Vice-President of the Executive Council; The Hon. Kenneth George Booth, M.P., Treasurer; The Hon. Donald Day, M.P., Minister for Industrial Development and Minister for Decentralisation; The Hon. Rex Frederick Jackson, M.P., Minister for Corrective Services; The Hon. Eric Lance Bedford, B.A., M.P., Minister for Planning and Environment; The Hon. Kevin James Stewart, M.P., Minister for Youth and Community Services; The Hon. Ronald Joseph Mulock, LL.B., M.P., Minister for Education; The Hon. Alan Robert Lindsay Gordon, M.P., Minister for Local Government and Minister for Lands; The Hon. Jack Rowland Hallam, M.L.C., Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries; The Hon. Terence William Sheahan, B.A., LL.B., M.P., Minister for Housing, Minister for Co-operative Societies and Minister Assisting the Premier; The Hon. Laurence John Brereton, M.P., Minister for Health; The Hon. Peter Thomas Anderson, M.P., Minister for Police and Minister for Services; The Hon. Michael Arthur Cleary, M.P., Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for Tourism; The Hon. Paul Francis Patrick Whelan, LL.B., M.P., Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister for Roads.

The Minister for Energy will be represented in this House by the Treasurer; the Minister for Water Resources will be represented by the Minister for Local Govern- ment and Minister for Lands; and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries will be represented by the Minister for Industrial Development and Minister for Decentralisa- tion.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE, GOVERNMENT WHIP AND DEPUTY GOVERNMENT WHIP Mr WRAN: I desire to inform the House that the Hon. F. J. Walker, Q.C., will be leader of the Government in the House. The honourable member for Granville, Mr J. P. Flaherty, has been reappointed Government Whip, and the honourable member for Newcastle, Mr W. A. Wade, has been reappointed Deputy Govern- ment Whip.

LEADER AND DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION AND OPPOSITION WHIP Mr DOWD: I have to inform the House of my election as Leader of the Opposition, and of the election of Mr K. R. Rozzoli as Deputy Leader of the Opposition and of the election of Mr T. J. Moore as Opposition Whip as from 27th October, 1981. 3 34 ASSEMBLY-Business of the House-Leave of Absence

LEADER AND DEPUTY LEADER OF THE COUNTRY PARTY AND COUNTRY PARTY WHIP Mr PUNCH: I have to inform the House of my re-election as Leader of the Country Party and of the re-election of Mr W. T. J. Murray as Deputy Leader of the Country Party and of the election of Mr T. A. Fischer as Country Party Whip as from 1st October, 1981. ASSENT TO BILLS Royal assent to the following bills of the previous session reported: Constitution (Referendum) Bill Constitution (Referendums) Amendment Bill Election Funding (Amendment) Bill Pay-roll Tax (Amendment) Bill Supply Bill

LAW OF EVIDENCE BILL (pro forma) First Reading Bill presented and, on motion by Mr Wran, read a first time.

MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONERS Mr SPEAKER: I have to report that the House this day attended the Commis- sioners in the Legislative Council Chamber, where a Commission for the opening of Parliament was read, and the following message was delivered: Honourable members of the Legislative Council and members of the Legislative Assembly- We have it in command from His Excellency the Governor to acquaint you that His Excellency desires that you take into your earnest consideration such matters as may be submitted to you. Members of the Legislative Assembly- It being necessary that a Speaker of the Legislative Assembly be first chosen, it is His Excellency's pleasure that you, members of the Legislative Assembly, repair to your Chamber, and there, after members shall have been sworn, proceed to the election of one of your number to be your Speaker. We are further commanded to acquaint you that His Excellency desires that such measures be taken by you as may be deemed expedient to provide for the public services of the State.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE Motions (by Mr Flaherty) agreed to: That leave of absence for the present session be granted to Phillip Joseph O'Neill, member for Burwood, on account of illness. That leave of absence for the present session be granted to Sarnuel Barry Jones, member for Waratah, on account of illness. That leave of absence for the present session be granted to Keith O'Connell, member for Peats, on account of unavoidable absence. Election of Chairman of Committees-28 October, 1981

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES Mr DURICK (Lakemba) E3.221: I move: That Thomas James Cahill be Chairman of Committees of the Whole House. It is a pleasure to move the motion for the election of the representative of the people of the Marrickville electorate to occupy this most important position in the conduct of the affairs of the House. I welcome the opportunity as a close friend and because of my admiration for the way in which he has already shown his ability to control the proceedings of the House. On 25th May, 1976, the honourable member for Marrickville was first elected to the position of Chairman of Committees of the House. Members who were in previous Parliaments will agree with me that he has exercised tact, judgment and knowledge in discharging the office. This was particularly evident in the Forty-fifth Parliament when the two sides of the House were almost evenly balanced.

The honourable member's knowledge of the standing orders has facilitated the passage of legislation without in any way infringing the rights of members. His sense of humour has often relieved otherwise embarrassing situations. At all times he has respected the rights of members. Indeed, many Opposition supporters in the previous Parliament expressed to me privately their appreciation of the even-handedness of the honourable member and their admiration for the way in which he conducted the business of the Legislative Assembly, whether as Chairman of Committees or Deputy- Speaker. The honourable member has studied closely the standing orders, procedures and precedents of the House and has always shown a willingness to pass on to new members his profound knowledge. No doubt he will continue to assist new members in that way. His experience makes him eminently suitable for re-election as Chairman of Committees of the Whole House. I commend my motion to honourable members.

Mr MAHER (Drummoyne) [3.25]: Today we members of the Parliament share a second common purpose, namely the election of Chairman of Committees of the Whole House. These are not the only things that honourable members share today. Members on both sides of the House are glad to exchange aspiration for actuality, to exchange the hustings for the House and to find themselves in a place-perhaps the only place-where politicians as a class are held in universal love and unqualified respect. I regard it as an honour and a pleasure to support the motion that Thomas James Cahill be Chairman of Committees of the Whole House. The honourable member for Lakemba has already extolled his many virtues and attributes. For my part I add that in the exercise of his duties the honourable member for Marrickville has earned the respect and regard of all honourable members. When in the Chair he maintains discipline and, as Chairman of Committees, his rulings have always been clear and concise. Honourable members will agree that as Chairman of Committees the honourable member has treated each and every member fairly and with the utmost courtesy. He is possessed of a rich sense of humour, and displays honesty and integrity. He is greatly experienced in the position. In a spirit of confidence and conviction, with feel- ings of warm friendship and deep respect, I ask the House to approve unanimously the nomination of Thomas James Cahill. 36 ASSEMBLY-Election of Chairman of Committees-Death of D. B. Hunter

Mr DOWD (Lane Cove), Leader of the Opposition [3.27]: The Opposition supports the nomination of Thomas James Cahill as Chairman of Committees of the Whole House. I am particularly indebted to the honourable member for Marrickvie for the training I have received in not wasting time when a question is put. In Com- mittee he has shown speed that is probably unexcelled. I shall be forever in his debt for being taught to concentrate on the question before the Chamber. His tolerance and good humour, like yours, Mr Speaker, are renowned. The Opposition supports hi re-election. Motion agreed to. Mr CAHILL (Marrickville) [3.28]: I thank the honourable member for Lakemba and the honourable member for Drummoyne for their kind remarks after nominating and seconding me as Chairman of Committees of the Whole House. I thank, also, the Leader of the Opposition for his kind expression of support. If I can assist him to speed up his work in the future, I shall be only too happy to do so. I look forward to working with all members to ensure that the business of the Chamber proceeds with the least possible delay.

DEATH OF DAVID BENJAMIN HUNTER, O.B.E. A FORMER MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Mr WRAN (Bass Hill), Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources f3.291: I move: That this House extends to the family of David Benjamin Hunter, O.B.E., a former member of this House, the deep sympathy of members of the Legislative Assembly in the loss sustained by his death. David Hunter was the first blind man to be elected to the New South Wales Parliament. From the start of his parliamentary career he made it clear that he would not allow his disability to fetter his performance as a parliamentarian. In his maiden speech to the Parliament, on 25th September, 1940, he said: I suggest to honourable members, generally, that they forget, as I shall endeavour to make them forget, that there is a physical handicap under which I labour; and consequently the best thing they can do, for their sakes and mine is to treat me as an ordinary, normal citizen. In his years of parliamentary service, his humility and competence gained him the admiration of his colleagues on both sides of the House. A touch typist, he wrote his own parliamentary correspondence and read extensively in Braille. He did not have a guide dog or walking stick and memorized the passageways of this House. He was a former president of the Sydney Savage Club and he was also a vice-president of the Royal New South Wales Institute of Deaf and Blind Children. David Hunter brought more to this Parliament than an intimate understandiw of the problems of disabled people. In one of this last major contributions to the proceedings of the House, in the debate on the Appropriation Bill in October 1975, he displayed his particular brand of commonsense and economic realism. He brought to that debate, and many others, an historical perspective that had been tempered by the emomic traumas of the Great Depression. David Hunter retired from the How in April 1976 after serving his party and the people of his electorate for thirty-six years. He died on 1st September, a few days short of his seventy-sixth birthday. Death of D. B. Hunter-28 October, 1981 37

Mr DOWD (Lane Cove), Leader of the Opposition [3.30]: On behalf of the Opposition and the Liberal Party in which David Hunter served, I support the motion moved by the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources. Honourable members who had the privilege of serving in this House with David Hunter will remember him with respect and affection. David was a remarkable person. He served in Parliament as its first blind member. We have made great strides in understanding problems of the handicapped and to some extent have forgotten what an achievement was his when he came here. To the Speaker, in his maiden speech as the member for Croydon in September 1940, in addition to the matters mentioned by the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources, he said: As you know, sir, I am the first blind man to be elected to the Parliament of New South Wales. I come among honourable members as a stranger, all the more strange because I cannot see. If my experience in life counts for anything, I imagine, I think with a lot of justification, that there may be in the minds of some honourable members a question as to my ability to fill the job-a barrier between honourable members and myself by reason of the thought that because of my handicap my ability cannot be expressed as it should in this Chamber. Then there may be a sense of sympathy in the minds of honourable members, who may feel that they should not treat me with that abandon and consistency of opposition that I have already found so apparent here. That statement, as was mentioned by the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources, came from a remarkable and humble man. David Hunter, with the concentration and percipience of the blind, was a great lover of music and the theatre. At the theatre, he was able, with very little help, to follow and analyse the whole course of the production. It was during late night singing sessions in John Maddison's room that I came to appreciate his knowledge of musical matters, particularly of Gilbert and Sullivan, in which we shared a common interest. In the limited time I was with him in the Parliament I came to treat him as the great man he was, not as a person with a handicap. His serenity and composure were a mark of the man. He was well-known and respected throughout the House; he was able to make his way with assurance round the old building without need of a seeing eye dog or blind man's stick. * David Hunter was able to read Braille at the incredible rate of more than 200 words a minute, faster than the speed of average speech. He would make notes in Braille for his work in the House and when interviewing constituents. He accomplished his clerical work by resorting to Braille, and he typed his own correspondence. As well, be would refer to notes in Braille when asking a question without notice and when making speeches. He was a fluent and able debator. He was fully conscious of the layout of the House and never offered excuses for his disability.

David Hunter had the distinction of being the longest serving member on the Parliamentary Library Committee. He joined it in 1941 and maintained his membership of it until his retirement from the Parliament in April 1976. Other members have had long membership on that committee, but none has been as dedicated as David Hunter. He rarely missed a meeting. Ultimately he knew more about the Parliamentary Library than any other member and probably some members of the sta. He fought the library's battles with the administration and can be credited with having done much to preserve the library's independence. Though his love of reading had to be satisfied at the Braille library, he was considered to be outstandingly well-read. David Hunter had many other interests. He was born in September 1905, and educated at the New South Wales Institute for Deaf and Blind. He became an insurance broker. When elected member for Croydon he was a councillor of the United Australia 38 ASSEMBLY-Death of D. B. Hunter

Party. He served as a life member of the Blinded Servicemen's Club, was vice-president of the Royal New South Wales Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, chairman of the Society for Providing Homes for Neglected Children and president of the Savage Club. He came to know members of my family; he shared with them a love of singing. He continued to represent his electorate, despite its name changes from Ashfield- Croydon to Croydon, and its bomdq changes, until his retirement in April 1976. When David Hunter first went overseas in 1968 to represent New South Wales at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's conference at Nassau in the Bahamas, he said: "The thing that matters most to me is encounter with human personalities. This is much more important than, say, inspecting the Louvre in Paris." Human encounters were his strength.

David Hunter's service and dedication to the parliamentary institution did much to help others who have similar disabilities. He filled his job for all those years extremely well, and managed to hold his seat against considerable political opposition. My contact with him in this place was brief; I saw him more often after he left the Parliament. I count it a privilege to have known this man. I learned from his calm acceptance of disability how such a person may serve his community with great dignity. I am the better for having known him. His service in this Parliament should be an example to us all. It is with some pride that on behalf of the Opposition L second the motion of condolence.

Mr PUNCH (Gloucester), Leader of the Country Party 13.351: On behalf of my colleagues in the Country Party I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources and the Leader of the Opposition in paying tribute to David Hunter, the first and only blind man elected to the Parliament of New South Wales. David Hunter was one of the longest serving members of this Chamber, representing the people of the Croydon and Ashfield electorates for almost thirty-six years. In his maiden speech to Parliament he talked about the need for a proper education for deaf, dumb or blind people-a theme he raised continually throughout his parliamentary career. He was a fighter for the rights of all handicapped people, seeking relevant education and training for the disabled or subnormal. He wanted them to be able to reach their full potential and be treated as ordinary human beings. He asked his fellow members of Parliament to treat him as an ordinary citizen. He said it was a tribute to democracy that a blind man could grace this Chamber.

David Hunter had a breadth of vision. He was concerned with such social problems as misuse of drugs, unemployment: and alcoholism. He was a proponent of science and was ever in awe of technological advances. He was interested in the arts, literature and music. He believed strongly in the importance of preserving historical documents. On a number of occasions he talked about the dangers of pollution. As for Parliament, David was forever seeking better conditions for the members of this House, so that they could represent their constituents more effectively. He pushed for more secretarial assistance, an adequate library reference service, a new building-and less temperamental air conditioning. For many years he served on the Library Committee, an activity from which, as a blind man, he could derive little benefit. He was an active member of the Standing Orders Committee. David was rewarded with the Order of the British Empire for his extensive involvement in community services, an honour that is really minuscule compared with the man's contribution to society and this Parliament.

As one who spent seventeen years in this House with David Hunter I cannot emphasize too much his marvellous personality. Strong, determined and capable, he was a person who showed how a major disability could be overcome. He walked Death of D. B. Hunter-28 October, 1981 39

unaided through the Parliament House complex. Members never ceased to be amazed when upon meeting him here or out in the street he would respond immediately to a greeting by calling them by name. In the International Year of Disabled Persons perhaps the Parliament should consider establishing a permanent tribute to him, perhaps a scholarship or a plaque. David Hunter was no ordinary man. He was a blind man who fought successfully to be accepted by society and, in such acceptance, presented real hope to other disabled people. All of us who knew David Hunter are the richer for that experience.

Mr WHELAN (Ashfield), Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister for Roads 13.381: I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources, the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Country Party, in paying tribute to David Hunter, a former member for Ashfield. In the public gallery this afternoon I have seen another former member for the electorate, the Hon. Athol Richardson. I am sure he joins with me in paying tribute to the great work of David Hunter.

In my maiden speech in this Parliament I paid tribute to David Hunter. He had represented the people of Ashfield and its districts for more than thirty-five years. On that occasion I said it was a privilege for me to follow in this House a man of such high standing, who had given much to the people he served and the Parliament. I do not resile from my earlier praise of him. At the tender age of five years, following a bout of meningitis, David Hunter became blind. That must have been a great blow to himself and his family. Sad though it was, those who are afflicted with blindness or partial sightedness are the beneficiaries of his misfortune. He was actively involved with the Royal New South Wales Institute for Deaf and Blind Children and the Royal Blind Society, and he was responsible for many improvements gained by people suffering the handicaps and disabilities of blindness and partial sightedness.

It is ironic that on the day before David Hunter's death the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources told me in my capacity as a member of the council of the Royal Blind Society that the library of that institution was to be afforded public library status. David Hunter, with many others, had worked hard in achieving that additional benefit for others who suffered the disability of blindness or partial blindness. David Hunter was active in the local community, where he was known and respected by all citizens. As previous speakers have said, he was so well respected that he was elected a member of Parliament continuously for various seats from 1940. He was a lovely man. Among other things, he was politically alert and, with great respect to him, a wily character. The fact that he successfully contested thirteen elections, defeating every candidate who stood against him, is proof of his courage and the strength of his convictions. It is clear that his blindness was no barrier to his political acumen.

He and I joked about the 1976 elections. He often taunted me with the proposition that, if he had stood for election, I may not have been the member for Ashfield. That may have been so. If it had been, the political destiny of New South Wales might have been markedly different. Unlike other honourable members, I did not have an appreciation of David Hunter as a member of Parliament. My contact with him was as a constituent. I relished his friendship. To his brother, Jack, I offer my deepest sympathy and that of my family.

Mr CAMERON (Northcott) 13.421: I shall speak briefly to this condolence motion because I intend to crave the indulgence of the House to speak briefly also on the motion yet to come. But I speak none the less sincerely, for David Hunter was an extremely close friend. I had the privilege of knowing him quite early in my life. 40 ASSEMBLY-Death of D. B. Hunter

I first met him in 1948 when I was a youthful member of the staff of the Liberal Party. I had the privilege of speaking for him in the streets of Ashfield in his many campaigns for that seat. Between 1955 and 1959 his close friend, Pat Morton, was Leader of the Opposition. I was press secretary to Pat Morton and I had daily contact at Parliament House with David Hunter. He was a member of the party's daily media conference when we sat down to discuss the events of the day and decide the matters upon which we should comment and take issue.

I do not think of David Hunter as a blind man. I never thought of him as a blind man, and he never asked to be thought of in that way. I thought of him always as an orthodox working parliamentarian of considerable judgment and ability. That is not to gainsay that as a blind person he was deeply involved in the work of the Royal Blind Society, which is located in my electorate at North Rocks. None- theless, I think of him as an orthodox human being. It is true that he had a miraculous ability, when walking round the streets of this city, to put aside the paraphernalia that usually accompanies a blind man wherever he goes. He knew every nook and cranny of this Parliament as well as he knew the wrinkles in his hand. Many times I had the privilege of driving him to his small, unpretentious home in Burwood. From his knowledge of the geography of the area he was always able to tell me, "Turn left here, Jim; turn right; only a hundred yards up the street," and so on. Some honourable members might say I need that type of guidance in everything I do, but David Hunter was always superbly able to give it to me. I refer not only to geography but to matters that required judgment.

He valued all of the rich, enduring traditions of our society. He was a traditionalist through, and through. His personal values were magnificent. To me, as a much younger person, they were inspiring. Equally inspiring was the dedication of his sister to him throughout all the years that she lived. She was a constant guide, support and counsellor to him. Three honourable members were extremely close to him: Pat Morton; the former member for Vaucluse, Keith Doyle, who gave the tribute to him at his funeral; and the former member for Albury, Gordon Mackie. After them and perhaps the honourable member for Eastwood and one or two others, I valued the privilege of being close to him as a friend. He and Keith Doyle occupied that funny room under the staircase. It has since been demolished. There was wonderful conviviality in that room. A great deal of the native dew of my spiritual homeland-Scotland-was imbibed in that room. Wonderful companionship was to be had there. I regard David Hunter as one of the most remarkable members of this House in recent times. I recall in particular-and I am sure many honourable members recall also-the savage impact we received, like a blow to the pit of the stomach, when, while walking through the corridors of this House, which he knew like the back of his hand, unaware that someone had left the cover off a large hole in the floor near the Premier's former suite, he tumbled in. As an elderly person he suffered a serious fall. Every honourable member was profoundly affected by the incident. It was remarkable how quickly he was back on his feet, behaving as if nothing had happened. As a member of Parliament and as a close friend I pay my warm personal tribute to David Hunter.

Mr J. A. CLOUGH (Eastwood) [3.48]: I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Country Party, the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister for Roads, and the honourable member for Northcott in speaking to this condolence motion following the death of David Hunter, whom I knew extremely well. Not wishing to be repetitive, I shall not recapitulate what has already been said, but I add my support to the Death of D. B. Hunter-28 October, 1981 41 remarks of previous speakers. David Hunter was a wonderful and remarkable man. I can vizualize him now standing in this Chamber and speaking, while his fingers traversed the Braille on his little pieces of cardboard as he spoke with great fluency and sincerity and a good deal of commonsense. His naturalness was to be admired. He lived a simple but happy life. He enjoyed his refreshment, loved his pipe and was fond of talking about all of the things that any person with normal sight likes to talk about.

I recollect a number of little anecdotes about David Hunter. As has been said, he shared a room in this House with others. In that room there was a big mirror over the mantelpiece above the fireplace. When he was about to leave the room to come into this Chamber it was customary for him to turn to the mirror, adjust his tie and comb his hair. I always regarded that performance with a great deal of pleasure and a little amusement. On one occasion in the late 1950's he asked me to remind him where I lived. I told him that I lived at North Parramatta in Sutherland Road. He said "Oh yes. Parramatta Park is a wonderful place with all those magnificent trees along the lake." He acted in such a normal way that it was difficult to believe he was blind.

Another humorous story I recall concerns Pat Morton who was sharing a cabin with David Hunter on a ship to Perth. After retiring and pubting out the lights, apparently Pat Morton heard some rustling. He said, "Hunter, what is going on there?" David said, "I was just reading Macbeth." I suppose there are some com- pensations for being blind; one does not need a light to read. He loved reading Though I could relate many more anecdotes, I conclude by saying that he was truly a great friend and a wonderful man. I join in extending condolence to his brother Jack and a great army of friends and well-wishers who knew him and loved him as I did. Mr ROZZOLI (Hawkesbury), Deputy Leader of the Opposition [3.51]: I join with members on both sides of the House in paying tribute to David Hunter. This being the International Year of Disabled Persons, it is appropriate to record the fact that David Hunter not only broke down the barriers, but also broke through the barriers. Many years ago he preceded much of the thrust now being attempted in this International Year of Disabled Persons when it was obviously something of a novelty for a person with his disability to enter public life. David Hunter was blinded at the age of 6 as a result of an illness. It is a matter on which he spoke rarely and certainly sought no sympathy. However, other members of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and I were privileged to get a glimpse of what it is like to be a blind person. I remember David graphically telling the story of his approaching blindness and of his last sight recollection. It made a strong impression on him. Having watched with clear sight the erection of a telegraph pole outside his bedroom, several hours later his sight faded, never to return. The last glimpse he had of anything was a page of Cole's Funny Picture Book. David told the story in a way that did not seek to evoke sympathy, but merely gave us an insight into that facet of his life. David Hunter's interests were varied. For this reason he was an excellent member of Parliament. He was interested in the theatre. On many occasions I had the privilege of accompanying him to theatrical performances and can bear testimony to his ability to follow the production. He required little explanation of the set, costumes or even the stature of the players to gain a clear picture of what was being presented before him. He had a great love of cricket. He often journeyed to the Primary Club's cricket ground at Wyong to participate in its activities. For many years he was president of the Savage Club. I shall tell a story that will illustrate his capacity to relate to all types of people. I had the privilege of attending a Savage Club luncheon 42 ASSEMBLY-Death of D. B. Hunter

at which the guest of honour was the actress Glenda Jackson. It was an extremely pleasant function. As a gesture of appreciation for her contribution to that occasion, David invited her to come to Parliament House several days later, an invitation that she readily accepted. As a person enjoying at that time a state of bachelorhood similar to David's, I was green with envy that he should have her as his exclusive dinner companion. Such was his ability to relate to a wide range of people. He prepared many speeches for the Opposition, having an extremely talented power with words. He used Braille notes extensively. He enjoyed practical jokes and was always able to accept a practical joke against himself. I remember the day when someone sabotaged his Braille notes with a pin. Such was his command of Braille that the joke caused him little concern and he appreciated it. David Hunter was an extraordinary human being. He came into Parliament at the age of thirty-five and served for thirty-five years. That was a remarkable achievement. The key to David's success lay in his humanity, his humbleness, his intense interest in all people about him, and the fact that he thought less of himself than of others. As a result, he made a wonderful contribution to this Parliament. Mr MAHER (Drummoyne) [3.55]: I had the privilege of serving with David Hunter in my first term in Parliament between 1973 and 1976. As our electorates adjoined, I had much contact with him. He was a close friend of my predecessor, the late Reg Coady, who, like David, was disabled-in fact, they shared a taxi home each night when the House rose, and they came in together each day. David Hunter was always gracious, helpful and kind to my wife, my small children, and me. His presence in this House was a continual reminder to members of difficulties faced by disabled persons in the community. For many years David Hunter represented in this House the subdivision of Haberfield. Since 1968 that subdivision has been portion of the electorate of Drummoyne. David is remembered in Haberfield for his keen interest in local charitable, community and youth groups, particularly the Haberfield branch of the Australian Red Cross. He maintained his interest in the Haberfield Red Cross after the subdivision was placed in the Drummoyne electorate. The patron of the Haberfield Red Cross is Aldern~anDick Murden, a former member for Ashfield, who was defeated by David Hunter when the seats of Croydon and Ashfield were amalgamated. I know that Dick Murden and his wife would wish to join in this condolence motion because they were close friends of David. The passing of David Hunter is a great loss to the community. Mr T. J. MOORE (Gordon) [3.57]: I support the motion, not as a member who knew David Hunter, but as a member whose electorate secretary, Miss Lois Wilson, was David Hunter's amanuensis. She has managed to train me in a way similar to the way in which David Hunter trained her. I say simply that if I am able to meet the standard of local representation that she tells me he maintained, my constituents will be well served. Mr McILWAINE (Ryde) [3.57]: I did not have the privilege of of knowing David Hunter in this House. One of my first duties as a member of Parliament was to attend an annual general meeting at Our Children's Home, an orphanage in the Yaralla electorate. The chairman of that meeting was David Hunter. I was impressed by the smooth way in which he conducted the meeting. Even though I was a political opponent, he made me most welcome. In 1946 David Hunter joined the board of that home and was its chairman from 18th March, 1950, until his recent illness. He had a genuine and deep interest in the children who came to the security of that home from many broken family environ- ments. He often spoke to the children individually. He never missed their Christmas Death of D. B. Hunter-Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin-28 October, 1981 43 party. He retained an interest in children who left the orphanage to improve their status in life. He will be sadly missed by everyone associated with the home and by the community of Concord. Members and officers of the House standing in their places, Motion agreed to. [Sitting szlspended from 4 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.]

PRESENTATION OF Mr SPEAKER The House proceeded to Government House and having returned nt 5.36 p.m.,

DEATH OF THE HONOURABLE SIR ROBERT WILLIAM ASKIN, G.C.M.G., A FORMER PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES Mr WRAN (Bass Hill), Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources [5.36]: I move: (1) That this House place on record its sense of the loss this State has sustained by the death of the Honourable Sir Robert William Askin, G.C.M.G., a former Premier of the State of New South Wales. (2) That Mr Speaker convey to Lady Askin the sympathy and sorrow of the members of the Legislative Assembly in her bereavement. (3) That this House, as a tribute of respect, do now adjourn. For the formal record, I should outline briefly the career of our late colleague. He was born in Sydney in 1907 and educated at Glebe Public School and the Sydney Technical High School. From the age of 15 he worked with the New South Wales Government Savings Bank and from 1931 with the reformed Rural Bank of New South Wales until the early years of World War 11. He enlisted in the Second AIF in 1941 and served with the 2/31st Battalion in New Guinea and Borneo, attaining the rank of sergeant. After the war he resumed work with the Rural Bank until 1950 when he entered the Parliament as member for Collaroy. In 1954 he became Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and in 1959 its leader, and therefore Leader of the Opposition. After leading his party to victory for the first time in twenty-four years, in May 1965 Bob Askin became Premier and Treasurer. He won four successive elections-still a New South Wales record. He continued as Premier and Treasurer until his retirement in January 1975, having become the longest-serving Premier of New South Wales in the 125 years of responsible government. He remained active in the business and sporting life of our community, almost to his death on 9th Septem- ber, 1981. In 1972 he was made a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George and in 1975 received the Grand Cross of that Order. The official record can convey only a part-and not necessarily the most important part-of the services and achievements of our late colleague. Even the fact, remarkable in itself, that he was New South Wales' longest-serving Premier would convey little about him as a man if we failed to understand the reasons why he was able to achieve and sustain his eminence for so long and, within the framework he set for himself and his party, so successfully. A great many of the tributes paid to him referred to his perception of himself as "just an average man"; and he rather liked to 44 ASSEMBLY-Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin describe himself as "an ordinary sort of bloke". He certainly kept the common touch with the people, but he was an uncommon politician. Though he was no ordinary bloke, he had a deep and instinctive feel for the thinking and attitudes of the "ordinary bloke", the average Australian. He took the average Australians as he found them, It was not part of his philosophy, or his concept of leadership, to seek to change or remould them, or to raise their expectations. In that, as in most other things, he was a thorough conservative. His time as Leader of the Opposition and most of his premiership coincided with a period of great material change in Australia and New South Wales. The whole of the 1960s was a period of conservative ascendency, dominated politically by three giants of Australian conservatism-Sir Robert Menzies, Sir Henry Bolte and Sir Robert Askin. So for the crucial part of his career, his innate conservatism was well attuned to the prevailing mood of the Australian people at that time. If Sir Robert Menzies, Sir Henry Bolte and Sir Robert Askin represented stability, this claim must be put in the context of the political and economic stability of the time in which they flourished. That consideration is relevant not only to any assessment of their role in Australian politics, but in explaining the difficulties and problems experienced by their respective successors in both the federal and State spheres. Sir Robert Askin's dominance of the public life of New South Wales was matched by his dominance of this Parliament and his dominance of his party. For a decade he dominated the Parliament and the political scene in New South Wales. Whatever it may mean outside, it is not the least tribute that one can pay to a colleague and an opponent in this place that he was first and last a good party man. The parliament, and through it, parliamentary democracy, is only as strong as the strength of the party system. Bob Askin recognized the fundamental principle that whatever one's quality or capacity, in the final analysis, a member, and especially a leader, can only be as good as the party: and one's power to contribute to the service of the parliament and the people derives almost entirely from the party. Bob Askin stood firmly on that principle and drew strength from it. Another and greater source of strength throughout Sir Robert Askin's career was his best friend, his best colleague-his wife, Mollie Askin. There is never much point in any of us here complaining about the thanklessness of public life or the burdens of public office. After all, we ask, in the most determined way, for all we get. Sir Robert Askin never complained and usually gave better than he got. But Lady Askin's great contribution and the manner in which she carried out her role-and it is truly a thankless and burdensome one-will be long remembered, as will her courage and dignity in the days before-and, it should be said, the days after-the death of her husband. I know that all honourable members will join with me in expressing our sympathy to Lady Askin and the relatives of the late Sir Robert Askin. Mr DOWD (Lane Cove), Leader of the Opposition E5.421: On behalf of the Opposition and as leader of the Liberal Party I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources in extending to Lady Askin our deep-felt sympathy at the loss of her remarkable husband and in recording the sincere appreciation of the services of Sir Robert Askin to this Parliament, this State and this nation. I support the motion moved by the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources. The people of New South Wales have already marked their testimony and paid their tribute to the premiership and statesmanship of Sir Robert in a fine State funeral held at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, on 14th September. Robert William Askin was an archetype Australian. He was formed in the heroic mould in that he represented the main characteristics that were admired in a leader in his time. He was courageous and dutiful, serving his country as a soldier both Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin-28 October, 1981 45 in peace and in war. He was industrious, forging a career more of diligence and perseverance than anything else. He maintained that he was no cleverer than anybody else, and therefore had to work harder. He was also tough, unyielding and at times a ruthless fighter. But it was this very pugnacious, positive approach to politics that won him such admiration and support. The people of New South Wales realized that he was one of them-writ large. Sir Robert Askin was essentially a man of the people. He understood their failings and their prejudices. It can be said that the art of the politician is to articulate for the public those things which the public already believe. Sir Robert knew the public's prejudices, articulated them, spoke for them and ideally represented his time. He was a great advocate for his State, as every other Premier of his time and various Prime Ministers found out to their detriment. He could tell a story, enjoy a joke and be at home in any stratum of society. His taste was for the racecourse and even the card table-in his younger days he was vice-captain of the Rural Bank's premiership team. Also he enjoyed more active sport. The change of the name of the Rural Bank to the State Bank coincides with the motion now before the House. Sir Robert will be remembered for his appreciation of himself: "First, last and always, I am a politician . . . professional politician". Honourable members should not be ashamed to profess to being politicians. I, and I suspect most &her honourable members, regard it as an honourable profession. The quotation should be the epitaph of our longest serving Premier. For ten unbroken years Sir Robert Askin held sway over this State, breaking the 24-year monopoly of the Treasury benches by the Australian Labor Party. For fifteen years he was the leader of my party-a feat to which any politician would aspire, including myself. Robin William Askin was born in Glebe in 1907, a time of economic hardship for his humble, hard working parents. His father was a sailor and then a train driver. Thus his rugged upbringing gave him a special rapport with the less-privileged in society. The story is told of the eviction of the Askin family from their Glebe home during the 1917 transport strike and a night spent by father and son in Wentworth Park. He spent much of his early life at Stuart Town, near Orange, where his mother's family had a property. Sir Robert was educated at Glebe public school where he won a bursary to Sydney Technical High School. Failure by his father to raise $400 for an electrical mechanic's apprenticeship saw him join the New South Wales Government Savings Bank at 15 years of age. Later this became the Rural Bank and at the outbreak of World War I1 he held the position of senrice department manager. At one stage he was president of the Rural Bank Oficers' Association, and made some effective gains for his fellow officers. Ten months after the outbreak of World War I1 he resigned his commission as a lieutenant in the militia and became a private in 2/31st Battalion, Australian Imperial Forces. He served in Lae, the Ramu Valley and Borneo and rose to the rank of sergeant. It was in this battalion that he served with Lieutenant-Colonel Murray Robson, who was later the Liberal Party member for Vaucluse in this House. After the war, Sir Robert tried setting up a trading post in Bomw, but a water- front strike prevented his receiving goods from Australia and he rejoined the Rural Bank. The story of his fortuitous entry into State politics is well known. It followed a chance meeting with his former commanding officer in Martin Place. He helped Murray Robson fight an election in Vaucluse. Later Sir Robert said, "If we had not met at that precise time, I would never have turned to politics". He won preselection for the seat of Collaroy, later Pittwater, and won the election in June 1950 with a majority of 5 000 votes--a healthy start to a political career. By 1959, after serving 46 ASSEMBLY-Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin

five years as deputy leader, he had become leader of the Liberal Party. Though he failed to take his party to the Treasury benches on the first attempt, it took only another three years for him to end twenty-four years of Labor administrations.

Sir Robert Askin soon established his authority and stamp as Premier. Sir Robert coined the phrase about State sovereignty. His struggles for New South Wales in Canberra became legendary. He was determined that New South Wales should not suffer any funding disadvantages with the Commonwealth and ultimately his forceful campaign succeeded in gaining our State $50 million in a revised tax sharing agreement. This funding agreement is one that Sir Robert looked back on as his greatest achievement. Sir Robert can take credit also for the part he played in the completion of the Opera House, the purposeful action on the eastern suburbs railway, and for new expressways and the State Office Block. Though others seek to take the credit for achievements such as the eastern suburbs railway, the credit should go to Sir Robert.

I take this opportunity to refer to the member for Collaroy's maiden speech on 26th September. In the Address-in-Reply debate, Robin Askin, as he then was, dealt with a number of issues that affected the 100 square miles from North Manly to Palm Beach that was his electorate. He spoke of the magnificent beaches, lakes, lagoons and bushland. He also emphasized that his electorate lacked some vital education facilities, a hospital and basic sewerage reticulation. He dwelt most tellingly on a matter that went beyond the scope of mere party politics. He spoke of the magnificent work caried out by the Surf Life Saving Association. I considered it necessary to refer the House to these few comments that in many ways indicated his concern. Some twenty-four years later Sir Robert was to make a valedictory salute to this "ancient and honourable institution". In his last words as Premier and Treasurer during the special adjournment debate of 3rd December, 1974, Sir Robert said: It has been a privilege to serve here for so long and especially for quite a time as Premier. I have said before, but it is true and perhaps worthy of repetition, that the longer one serves here, the more one comes to respect the institution. We know that there are in the system some defects, which are con- stantly being met, but it cannot be denied by those who know anything about the parliamentary institution that basically it works and functions well.

This, of course, was written some time ago. Sir Robert continued: There are so many checks and balances on governments, parties and members that our system is safer for the people as a whole than any other. Just as a passing comment I may say that I have always believed that there should be more opportunity in our procedures for free votes, such as the one in the Parliament at Canberra a week ago, especially where matters of conscience are involved. I am convinced from long experience that in this way we should get a more accurate reflection of the views of members generally, and this would be in the best interests of Parliament.

Sir Robert's words will be remembered by all honourable members. He made one very perceptive remark in his final remarks to this House. He said: Parliament embraces a cross-section of the community-some members are rather rough and tough and some behave as though they had been to Oxford twice. Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin-28 October, 1981 47

It is important that Parliament should be a cross-section of the community and it is important that Parliament should be a place for plain and even blunt speech. Sir Robert took a certain pride in his down-to-earth approach to politics, but to see him as solely a boots and all or bash and barge politician is to misunderstand the man, for under his merry, bluff exterior worked a competent, deft and cunning politician. He had a lightness of touch and sensitivity not always recognized by his detractors. For some years I sat with him on the State executive of the Liberal Party. I had the privilege of chairing the establishment of the Pittwater conference, which was the first time he saw me chair a meeting. As was his wont, he came over to me and asked when I intended making an entry into State politics. I stated that I already had some ambitions along that line. At that stage I did not know that I would stand in this position, which he occupied for five years.

At no time during his record ten years as Premier did he falter. New South Wales owes a great deal to his constructive and purposeful administration. The Askin years were good for our State. New South Wales prospered under the Askin Govern- ment. His Government brought this city out of the first half of the century and developed it into the thriving city that it now is. The people of this State owe a great debt to him and to his administration for the massive changes that occurred during that time. He had a sure feel for his work and few have been able to test the public pulse as effectively and accurately as he did and respond to it accordingly. In 1972 Sir Robert was created a Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George. In 1975 he was made a Knight Grand Cross of that Order. Among his other responsibilities he was a councillor of the Royal Society for the Pre- vention of Cruelty to Animals; on the executive of the Food for Babies and Good Samaritan Fund from 1953-55; a life member of the Royal Commonwealth Society and in 1974 was chairman of the trustees of Randwick racecourse. At this time, it is appropriate that we pay tribute to Sir Robert's remarkable ally and asset for almost fifty years-Mollie Askin. It was a great pleasure recently to receive from her a letter congratulating me on my election to the Liberal Party leadership. Lady Askin worked in the New South Wales Government Savings Bank, now the Rural Bank. She met Sir Robert during the depression. They kept company for six years and married at Manly in 1937. They were a devoted couple, setting an example to us all. Her devotion to her Robbie was made manifest in the last great fight at St Vincents when she sat faithfully those long hours at his bedside. New South Wales has been fortunate to have two such fine servants. I suppox%the motion of the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources. It is an honour to occupy the position once held by Sir Robert. This State is better for what he did and for what his Government did. We shall long remain indebted to him for his public service.

Mr PUNCH (Gloucester), Leader of the Country Party [5.55]: On behalf of my colleagues in the Country Party, I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources and the Leader of the Opposition in offering our deepest sympathy to Lady Askin and other members of Sir Robert's family for the loss they have sustained. Sir Robert Askin was one of the most successful politicians New South Wales has known. He served a record term as Premier, which he achieved partly because of his tough- ness as a politician. But he had another side, which was perhaps not so well known outside Parliament and political circles. This was his ability to separate politics from personalities and to refrain from being bitter about his opponents and avoid to a considerable degree making them bitter towards him. He attacked his opponents most vigorously for their politics, but he still enjoyed-as he put it himself in his farewell speech to this House-the camaraderie of members of all political parties. 48 ASSEMBLY-Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin

It is one of my great regrets about relationships in this House that since his departure this cross-bench camaraderie has diminished considerably. In Sir Robert Askin we had a man of the people, a man with a social conscience, a man who sought from the beginning to leave the bulk of people of his State better off. At the same time he was a man who could mix with the leaders of the world and be appreciated for his humility, as well as his gift for being an entertaining companion and debater, which he developed to a high standard during his premiership. When he first became Leader of the Opposition he was a builder, determined to raise his party to the point where it could take government again, and determined that it should bring significant advances to the State when it was in government. There was at that time little image, but a lot of man.

His relationship with the Country Party was an indication of the man who made the sucessful politician. The coalition existed sol cordially as a result of the relationship of trust between Sir Robert the Premier and the Country Party Leader, Sir Charles Cutler. To this day Sir Charles has never varied in his view that it was a privilege to share the running of the State with such an able, forthright politician. They were friends as well as highly successful coalition partners, a relationship which over sixteen years was remarkable for its closeness. Robert Askin was city born and bred but understood the problems of those who lived on the land and in the country towns and cities. He provided leadership for all New South Wales citizens.

I have said that he was a great worker for his party and for the State-too much of a worker, perhaps, judging by his comments during his last illness. But his approach to his own job came from a belief that everyone needed to make his fd contribution if we were to improve the standard of living for everyone in the State, or in Australia for that matter. When he came to Parliament, he was concerned about inflation and what he saw as faulty conceptions of what brought about prosperity. In his maiden speech he pointed out a simple economic fact, that money was worth only what it would buy. He said too much emphasis was being given to shortening hours and raising wages as a means of achieving high standards of living without paying the same attention to increasing production.

Robert Askin was not impressed by references to sections of the community as the backbone of the country. He was convinced that the backbone was the whole population, which needed to be welded closer together. He said that anyone who worked towards any other end rendered a disservice to Australia. His expectation that everyone should contribute and that all should share the benefits made him the champion of the small man. As one of the members who served with Sir Robert Askin as a Minister in his Cabinet-unfortunately the only one remaining in the House today-I pay a special tribute to the guidance he gave, to his ability to handle all situations, and to his desire to do the best he could for all of the people of this State. In particular I refer to the wonderful help he had at all times from his wife, Mollie. Mollie Askin is a marvellous woman with great charm and personality. She was a marvellous foil for the style of her husband. To Lady Askin, on behalf of all my Country Party colleagues, past and present, I offer a very special word of regret and sympathy in her great loss.

Mr ROZZOLI (Hawkesbury), Deputy Leader of the Opposition [5.59]: I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources, the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Country Party in paying tribute to Sir Robert Askin. My a~ociationwith Sir Robert Askin was pleasant and most important to me. I first met him during the campaign immediately before I was elected to this Parliament. It was a hard-fought by-election. The Minister for Industrial Relations and Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Ash-28 October, 1981 49

Minister for Technology remembers the intensity of that campaign. There could be no better trainmg ground for someone coming into this House than the circun~stances that revolve rowd such a by-eiectlon. But more than that; it was a by-eiectlon in which hr lCobert As~lnlooK a personal mterest. Uurmg that carnpalgn 1 learned many tricks of the trade from hm. He assessed his wm m the three by-elections held at that time-Hawkesbury in particular-as bemg among hls greatest electorai achievements. The lntenslty of that campaign establisned between us a bond oi friendshp that lasted until his death.

During the Hawkesbury by-election I came to appreciate some oi the real qualhes oi Slr Kobert Aslun. r hose qumtles may not have been always evident m hs public bfe. I refer to hIs shrewdness, hs sensltlvlty and hs fine touch. Those qualities are often absent UI polltlcians. lhose who are successiul often have behnd the pubbc image a character oi subtlety; Sir Kobert dld not Lack in that quahty. He was a man for ad seasous-a man ror ali people. Pn bs contrlbuuon to my campalgn m the kiawkes- bury by-election he showed how to win friends and supporters qmckly. 1 believe ~t was his personal contribution to my campaign that swung the electors my way. POI that I am deeply grateful.

I should like to join in extending sincere condolences to Lady Askin, with whom I have developed a strong bond of affection and respect. Lady Askin is a wondertul lady and was a great wiie to Sir Koaert. 1 remernaer an occaslon 1n ths House when Sir Robert was asked when he would appoint an adviser on women's affairs. That was shortly after the election of a Labor government to Canberra in 1972. When Sir Robert rose to answer the question he sald he did not see a necessity to appoint an adviser on women's atfairs: he had the best adviser on women's affairs at home. I believe that illustrated the relationship that existed between Sir Robert and Lady Aslun. To Lady Hskn I extend the sincere sympathy of myself and the constituents of the Hawkesbury electorate.

Mr SMITH (Pittwater) 16.31: On behalf of the people of Pittwater I wish to support the condolence motion to be conveyed to the wife of Sir Robert Askin. Much has been said already about Bob Askin, a man whose personality has left its mark on New South Wales and the area in which I live. Bob Askin was a remarkable man who was liked by people from all levels of society. He had the common touch; he could drink with the boys in the public bar and conduct himself with utmost decorum on Royal occasions. Many people in the Manly-Warringah area are saddened by his death. There is hardly an organization in the area he has not helped. Many of them bestowed on him life patronages in recognition of the great esteem in which he was held. Much of the work he did in the district has not been documented and will never be known, for much of it was done for the ordinary citizen-fixed up on the spot-as Bob &kin was a member who was approachable; with a few telephone calls, he could crank up the machinery of government and make things happen. He will always be remembered as the people's Premier, a member who mirrored the people he represented. He knew them all and could speak to them on a person to person basis.

Sir Robert Askin loved the political scene, and particularly this Parliament. In his final speech in this House he drew attention to the cut and thrust of parliamentary debate, in which he revelled. His words should be recalled as they show some of the qualities of Bob Askin. He said: . . . Parliament should be a place for plain and even blunt speech. That is why when I have been attacked here, which has been not infrequently, 4 50 ASSEMBLY-Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin

I have not taken a point of order . . . As the House knows, I believe in vigorous counterattack . . . I, like other honourable members, do not take grudges or ill will out of the Chamber.

Bob Askin did not take ill will with him. He will be remembered always as a man of the people. The people of my area have much for which to thank him. It is important to go back to his maiden speech to know what concerned him then and what action he took. In his maiden speech in this House on 26th September, 1950, he high- lighted the need for sewerage in Collaroy-his electorate-the need for a hospital and the great transport difficulties experienced by everyone in Manly-Warringah.

To his credit Bob Askin took action 011 all those matters; sewerage has been installed in that area. In fact, if this Government expeditiously follows on this work I might even have the sewer on at my home before I retire. As a result of Bob Askin's work, Mona Vale has one of the metropolitan area's finest hospitals; it is beautifully located, well equipped and of a sue that gives personal attention to all its patients. It runs like a well-oiled machine and is highly regarded by all the con- stitutents. I hope that changes to the hospital because of the so-called rationalization programme will not result in much of that approach being lost. Bob Askin was life patron of the wonderful Mona Vale hospital. Bob Askin also did much for transport in my area; express bus services were started, transit lanes were introduced and the ground work was set up for the modernization of the bus fleet. He also took action to commence the Warringah expressway, which is so badly needed. Unfortunately, that project has not progressed one iota under this Government.

Bob Askin was a man who understood people. This is clear from his approach to industrial relations. As an employer he always battled to improve the lot of public servants and police, and to ensure that their superannuation was adequate. He was responsible for great improvements in the water police service in Pittwater and was held in high regard by police officers.

Sir Robert Askin was a believer in discussion-not confrontation. He emphasized that Australians who promote hatred and division do our country a great disservice. No one class or group carries the country on its hack; Bob Askin devoted his energies towards welding all groups together for the benefit of all Australians. He pointed out the need to produce to overcome inflation and to provide a better standard of living for all, and was well aware of the adverse effects of the exorbitant cost of government and its effects on inflation, which robs us of our living standards.

For many years Bob Askin and his wife, Mollie, lived in the Manly-Warringah area. It was a highly regarded team, and it became identified with the region and its people. They spent so much of their time helping others and attending functions that they seemed to use their home only for bed and breakfast. Their efforts were, and still are, appreciated greatly. I join the House, the parliamentary Liberal Party, the Pittwater State electorate conference and the North Narrabeen-Elanora branch of the Liberal Party-of which Sir Robert was a member until his death-in extending to Lady Askin deepest sympathy and thanks for the years of service he gave to his electorate, the Manly-Warringah area and the State of New South Wales.

Mr WEBSTER (Wakehurst) [6.8]: I support the Premier and other members who have taken part in this motion of condolence. When Sir Robert became the member for Collaroy in 1950, that area included the electorate of Waltehurst. In 1950 the Collaroy electorate, which stretched from north Manly to Palm Beach, had a population of less than 50 000 people. Sir Robert was a new member Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin-28 October, 1981 5 f of Parliament in a relatively new developing arca. During the years he was in this House the area he originally represented grew more than threefold. At the same time, Sir Robert's career grew to its culmination as Premier, a position he held for ten years. For the twenty-five years he served Manly-Warringah he maintained strong contacts he had built up with the local groups prior to his election to Parliament. Many of those groups paid Sir Robert the honour of making him a patron. Clubs such as the Manly-Warringah Leagues Club, the Collaroy-Pittwater Torchbearers for Legacy and the Manly Swimming Club bestowed that privilege upon him. Even in his retirement, Sir Robert actively supported many of these organizations and attended their meetings. On several occasions I had the pleasure of meeting Sir Robert at functions organized by Legacy. I shared his great admiration for the members of the Collaroy- Pittwater branch of Torchbearers who have helped so many widows, and sons and daughters of returned servicemen. On behalf of those organizations, and the many constituents of Wakehurst who knew Sir Robert, I pass on my sincere sympathy to Lady Askin. Mr J. A. CLOUGH (Eastwood) [6.10]: I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Country Party and other members in paying tribute to Sir Robert Askin. I knew Sir Robert for a great many years both in and out of Parliament. He certainly was an outstanding politician and a gregarious man. Bob Askin loved life and sport. He had a particular interest in rugby league and the sport of kings. He was a devotee of the turf, which probably provided him with many hours of pleasure since his retirement from this Parliament.

Sir Robert Askin never forgot the days of the depression, but he did not have a chip on his shoulder about it. He endeavoured to learn from the history of that time. It was always his wish that people entitled to superannuation would not suffer the fate that befell his mother on the death of his father, who was a railway worker. He considered that public servants and their dependants should receive a better deal than did his late mother. The honourable member for Pittwater has spoken about Sir Robert's achievements in those areas. Sir Robert was proud that he did a great deal to improve the conditions and pay of public servants and members of the New South Wales police force.

Sir Robert was a jocular person and a ready mixer. He was a polished politician who had a great sense of smell-if I can use that term-for where trouble might come from and how to deal with it. He always seemed to be prepared for trouble and a step ahead of his opponents. I remember his astuteness and acumen. Naturally be and I had different opinions about a number of issues, but that is to be expected in a long term of parliamentary service. Those differences were never serious. I pay special tribute to him for the great assistance he rendered to the independent school system shortly after he became Premier in 1965. A great many people in New South Wales are grateful to him for that assistance. TO Sir Robert and the former coalition government must go the credit for introducing reasonable and proper aid to independent schools. That can never be taken away from the Askin-Cutler coalition Government. Sir Robert Askin was probably the best Premier New South Wales has ever had. I extend to his widow, Lady Askin, my deepest sympathy in her sad loss.

Mr ARBLASTER (Mosman) E6.131: I join with the Premier and Minister fbr Mineral Resources, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Country Party and other members in the motion of condolence to a great lady, Lady Askin. Bob Askin's activities in the Manly-Warringah peninsula were outlined by the honourable member for Pittwater. Bob Askin was well known. He would be welcomcd by members of 52 ASSEMBLY-Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin clubs from one end of the peninsula to the other. He would be recognized as he walked along the Manly Corso, at Collaroy-indeed in any part of the Manly- Warringah peninsula.

Though some persons may have said that he was a hard man, in fact he was a compassionate person. He regarded his success in improving the lot of public servants and members of the police force-and in particular, their wives and widows-as his greatest achievement. The honourable member for Eastwood referred to that aspect. Undoubtedly, Sir Robert was a man's man and he enjoyed men's company. He enjoyed a game of cards. The stories about his card games are legion. On one occasion I remember visiting a 16-foot skiff club at Manly adjacent to the old Manly baths. As the winner of a sailing race was being congratulated, Bob Askin walked into the club. At that time Jock Sturrock, a sailing identity, said, "If this man had been at the helm of Gretel, we would have won, for we lost too many starts". He then said, "Bob; you come and present the trophies". Sir Robert Askin did not give the hand of real friendship to many people. However, over many years a bond of friendship and closeness was built up between him and his driver, Ross.

Sir Robert's one great regret was that he did not have children. He extended a helping hand and gave much assistance to people in need in the Manly peninsula area. Some club presidents and people he assisted are no longer with us. One of these days someone may publish a list of the assistance rendered by Sir Robert. To Lady Askin I offer condolences on behalf of the Mosman electorate. Throughout the period leading up to and after Bob Askin's death Lady Askin showed great dignity, and the hearts of many people went out to her. Bob Askin was right when he said: "I do not need a woman's adviser. I have one at home". Lady Askin was a true wife, a leader, companion and assistant-everything that a Premier needs. Mollie Askin was all that and more to Bob Askin. Everyone in the Manly-Wanringah area loved her.

Mr CAMERON (Northcott) [6.18]: I vividly remember the first day that I met Sir Robert Askin. He was then Mr Askin. I met him on that occasion in the Liberal Party headquarters which were then in Ash Street, Sydney. It was mid-1950 when a most conservative-looking figure walked in dressed in a belted, gabardine coat, wearing a felt hat. He had come there to lodge his nomination for the newly-created seat of Collaroy. I was the young member of the staff who took his nomination. Though he was unknown in the community at that time, someone there whispered "That man's name is Askin. He could easily win the pre-selection for the seat of Col1aroy."-and win it he certainly did. I agree with the assessment of the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources that Sir Robert Askin was one of the triumvirate of conservative political figures that included Sir Robert Menzies and Sir Henry Bolte. They set the stamp for their period. It was a brilliantly successful stamp and a winning one. Sir Robert spoke of winning the middle ground but essentially he was a conservative through and through. I pay him tribute for the consistency of his stance throughout his political career.

I well recall my associations with Sir Robert Askin from 1955 onwards. It is no secret, as it is part of political history, that at that time the Parliamentary Liberal Party consisted of twenty-two members, almost universally regarded as consisting of a first XI and a second XI; Pat Morton led the first XI and Bob Askin led the second XI. When ultimately Bob Askin achieved leadership of the Opposition he accomplished the miracle that is attainable by all political parties-now, just as it was in 1959. He welded the party together and that completely united body went on to storm the Treasury benches in 1965. Though admittedly it won only narrowly on that occasion, it proceeded to consolidate its position over the years. Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin-28 October, 1981 53

Sir Robert Askin was a master politician; the ultimate professional politician. I think of him always most vividly for the way that he used to chair party meetings. At that stage it was a source of personal frustration to me, but I admired his adroit- ness. Those members who have recently been elected to this House and are about to go through all the frustrations that I endured when a new member should take heart. I remember that when I had some burning matter that was a source of public con- troversy and I wanted to raise in the party room, invariably he would pad a meeting out by raising one trivial matter after another. At about ten to one when the pangs of hunger were eating into people's stomachs he would turn blandly to me and say, "Jim, I believe you want to raise a matter". So at ten to one the subject-matter of my crusade would invariably go down the gurgler.

I remember well one great fiery occasion, which I shall not detail, when there was a deal of stamping of feet in the party room. In those days members did not have a private room; some ten or fourteen members were huddled together in a vast common room. On an occasion after returning to that vast area, I recall receiving a summons from Sir Robert to go to his room. I felt certain that I was about to be carpeted for my part in the mental exertions at the party meeting that day. Instead, Sir Robert said to me in a fatherly way: "Jim, I do not think you have ever actually understood me. You think of me as an earthy man who goes to the races and spends most of his time betting at the card table. You do not appreciate another dimension-I am a product of a Rechabite home". I do not know why he should think that fact would be regarded by me as relevant. He added that he still held in his heart the lessons he had been taught at his mother's knee. that they had been ingrained into his personality. I left the room, not having been carpeted but as docile as a lamb. That was yet another victory for Sir Robert; yet another cause that I championed that got absolutely nowhere.

I recall being taken by surprise in 1973 when Sir Robert Askin came to me with a proposal that had never crossed my mind. He said "Jim, have you ever given any thought to occupying the Speaker's chair?' I certainly had never given any thought to it, and I told him so. He said to me, thereby concluding the matter, "I think you should begin to give some thought to it". And I did. Never has there been a Premier more sensitive to the position of the Speaker than Sir Robert. I had the privilege of serving as Speaker under three Premiers, of whom Sir Robert Askin was the first. I pay tribute to the other two, but neither of them was nearly as sensitive to the position of the Chair or to the duties and responsibilities of the speakership as was Sir Robert. Such was his regard for the Chair and for the Parlia- ment that he was ever alert to ensure that no improper pressure was ever put upon the Chair. I join other honourable members in paying my personal tribute to Lady MoSlie Askin, a remarkable and most lovely lady. Mr PARK (Tamworth) [6.25]: I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Country Party and other members of the House in paying tribute to the late Sir Robert Askin, G.C.M.G. I think of Sir Robert first as a soldier. Before World War 11, while Sir Robert was an officer in the State's bank, he held the rank of lieutenant in the Citizens' Military Forces, known then as the militia. Soon after the outbreak of war, because of his staunch loyalty and love for his country, he wanted to serve Australia in an active capacity. From the outbreak of war he sought to serve in his rank of lieutenant, but because of his age that could not be permitted. He could have served in the army in Australia and attained perhaps the rank of captain, major or even colonel. However, he wanted to serve overseas in an active capacity. To do so he resigned his commission and joined the AIF. He became a member of the 2/31st Battalion and served in that famous infantry unit for four or five years, rising to the rank of sergeant. 54 ASSEMBLY-Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin

Often I have said that sergeants are the backbone of a regiment. Sir Robert Askin took his place in his unit in that capacity. In 1973 when I was elected to the Parliament I received a cordial welcome from Sir Robert Askin. He offered to assist me in every possible way. I recognized his logical and orderly mind, his discipline and dedication-qualities that he developed from his army training during the war years. On a number of occasions he asked me to represent him at ex-service functions. I recall acting in this capacity at an annual re-union of an AIF division. When I arrived, members of the hierarchy of the division referred to me as Sergeant Askin's representative. When I told them my views about sergeants they gained a better appreciation of the wonderful job that Sir Robert Askin had done as a sergeant in the AIF and was continuing to do as Premier of New South Wales. Sir Robert was an outstanding leader. I have no doubt that his leadership qualities were developed during the war and expanded afterwards. He used those qualities to good advantage in civilian life and in politics.

Sir Robert Askin knew how to look after his troops. Me seemed to be able to sense when individual members of his team were confronted with difficult problems. He would broach the subject and endeavour to help the team member solve the problem. He displayed loyalty and expected to receive loyalty in return. He got it. He was accorded respect by everyone, both the members of his team and those who opposed him. He could mix well with people and had a wonderful understanding of persons from all walks of life. He worked hard for the welfare of the people of New South Wales. Throughout his parliamentary career he was helped and supported by his wonderful wife, Lady Mollie Askin. To her and to the other members of Sir Robert's family I offer my deep sympathy.

Mr PICKARD (Hornsby) [6.32]: I join with the Premier and Minister for Mineral Resources, the Leader of the Opposition, the Leader of the Country Party and other honourable members in paying a tribute to Sir Robert Askin. This great man would never indulge in denigration of the individual. He was ever concerned with the preservation of the dignity of the House and the members who served in it. He did lean across the table one night and passed quite a fiery comment. It was so out of character for him to do it that I commented upon it to him. He invited me to have a chat over a cigar, and to share some of the special water from Scotland that can be used for medicinal purposes. In that conversation he displayed his great love for the dignity of the Parliament. He advised me, a new member of the Parlia- ment, never to attack the dignity of the Parliament. If I did I would bring down myself and others.

Often I met him at the races and his tips were as good as the advice he gave in the House. As many members would recall, he often moved round in the House. He might even inform a member that he would be the next cab off the rank, to use a colloquialism. It was a pleasure to sit and talk with Sir Robert at the races, away from the pressures of political life. There I would discuss with him the stature of the Parliament and parliamentarians. I recall that on one occasion he reminded me of a statement by Lord Hailsham to the effect that if one believes that politicians are unintelligent, lazy and corrupt, and a candidate is elected who looks intelligent and works hard but cannot be bought, the public should sack him because he does not meet the public criteria for a politician.

Sir Robert stated that many people claimed that his name could be associated with corruption. I do not believe it. The man I knew was possessed of great dignity. He was a person who made one feel equal to him and worthy of being a member Death of The Hon. Sir R. W. Askin-28 October, 1981 55 of Parliament. To his great companion, Lady Mollie Askin, I express my sympathy and regret at the passing of a wonderful friend and great Premier. Members and officers of the House standing in their places, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at 6.37 p.m.