Speeches

I’d like to acknowledge Joan here and I rise to support the remarks of my colleagues, particularly those of Senator Birmingham.

I won’t repeat all the remarks. They have done Steele proud by recounting his long and illustrious career.

I just want to make the point that Steele represents something that I think all should aspire to, which is to value our parliament and the parliamentary system, to value the fact that you need parties of government and also to value the fact that, ultimately, you must put nation first, followed by state, followed by your party and then followed by your own self-interest.

If democracy is to work, that is how everyone should work.

Steele modelled that, and he served the nation and our state. For that, we say thanks for many years. I don’t necessarily say that I would have agreed, if I had served with him, with all of his decisions, but the fact that he was true to them is something that we should celebrate and seek to emulate.

Many times, when we give speeches in this place on motions of condolence, we thank families for releasing their loved ones to serve.

In the case of Joan, not only do we thank you, but we thank you for your service as the member for Coles and the member for Morialta and for your service with Steele. But that’s also flowed through to your family. Your son, Ben, served Alan Ferguson, who was my predecessor in the Senate, and Ben went on to serve in the Australian Army for eight years and is now making his own mark overseas.

We remember Steele. Joan, we say condolences to you and your extended family. Vale, Steele Hall.