Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 4 Hansard (9 April) . . Page.. 873 ..

Death of Mr John Allan

MR WOOD (Minister for Urban Services and Minister for the Arts) (5.57), in reply: Mr Speaker, it is a day for obituaries. I refer to Mr John Allan, who will be known to some of us. John Allan passed away on 5 April. He was an important member of the Canberra community, particularly the strong community of dog owners. In essence, the loves of his life were golf and, in later years, dogs.

It is little known that, in earlier life, in England and Scotland Mr Allan was a golf caddy for some of the greats of golf, such as Sam Snead and the young Jack Nicklaus. He served in the Sudan, Egypt, in the Scots Guards. In Australia, he worked as club manager at many hotels, including the Southern Cross Club in Canberra.

His greatest love, however, was his dogs. He spent an extraordinary amount of time working to promote both the dog world and responsible dog ownership. He did his utmost to help with the rescue of dogs. In order to do this, he developed a close relationship with the domestic animals unit of the ACT government. In my former life as a minister, I certainly valued his advice, as we talked through various legislative measures.

Mr Allan was a serving member on the animal welfare advisory committee for a period of six years. Until the end of last year, he held the position as president of the ACT canine association.

He had been active in promoting the issue of companionship of dogs for many years. He was seen regularly at the ACT dog pound. He would check the lost and stray dogs, to see if any pedigree dogs had been held-in case the ACT canine association could assist in locating the owners.

He was an active member on many AWAC subcommittees over the years and was instrumental in identifying many key areas within legislation and codes of practice that required further consideration of amendments.

Mr Allan was never a person to shy away from a difficult problem. Over the years, he thoughtfully presented his views and those of the ACT canine association in a logical manner. He did not suffer fools gladly and was quite often the "gruff Scotsman", but he was greatly loved and respected by those who knew him. He will be missed by those who have worked with him in the ACT government and community. At this sad time, our sympathies are with John's daughter, Jennifer, and the rest of his family.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

The Assembly adjourned at 6.10 pm.

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .