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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 5 Hansard (10 May) . . Page.. 1336 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

a 27-year period, as has been mentioned. He certainly made the RSL more relevant at a crucial time in its history. He was very much in favour of multiculturalism and introduced that concept, often amidst a fair bit of opposition, into the RSL. He also promoted for a number of reasons, perhaps some very good ones, the concept of reconciliation with former enemies being essential. He pushed that for many years and did so very successfully.

Mr Stanhope has mentioned how Sir William would have been delighted to have lived long enough to see the fulfilment of one of his dreams, that is, the dedication of the Korean War memorial. He was instrumental in setting up the Korea and South East Asia Forces Association. He was a man who in the times I met him, and there were quite a few, really impressed me with the great breadth of his intellect. I can recall going to a function at his property on the Captains Flat road when he was undergoing herbal medicine treatment and listening in fascination as he told me exactly what was involved, why he did it and just how effective it was.

I can clearly recall my father's great admiration for Sir William when he worked with him in the RSL, not only for the breadth of his intellect but also for his concern for soldiers of other nations as well as Australian soldiers, whom he thought should be integrated into the RSL, and his concern even for former enemies. He had that great quality of all truly great commanders of soldiers and men in war that the interests of his troops were paramount. I read with interest and pleasure an account of his service as a company commander in the Korean War and of his pleasure at how successful his company had been, his concern about his men and his delight that the casualties were kept to an absolute minimum. He had that real concern for his men which all truly great commanders have.

His passing is a very sad loss to us all. I extend my condolences to Lady Dulcie and his family on the passing of this great man who, I might add as a personal note, was a good friend of my father and whom I got to know very well over the years.

MS TUCKER: Sir William Keys was a man of great stature in this country and I join members today in this condolence motion. I believe that he had a profound and moderating role in the RSL and that Australia benefited greatly from his leadership of it.

With his rural and small school background, many people may have thought Bill Keys an unlikely radical, but his values and humanity seem always to have been apparent. Keys' championing of a positive relationship with our neighbours in Asia, his enthusiasm for multiculturalism and his active involvement in the process of reconciliation with former enemies all demonstrate a broad mind and real vision.

Specifically, his championing of the cause of the Burmese people, victims of a brutal, corrupt and grossly incompetent regime, is something I respond to very strongly. His position was clear that it is not good enough to support or have uncritical partnerships with regimes that have no regard for human rights, whether they be in Burma, China, Sierra Leone or wherever. The loss of Sir William Keys as a national statesman is sad indeed.

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