Page 3189 - Week 10 - Thursday, 25 September 2014
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Again, it sums Kurt up. There was that moment of worry as he realised what he was going to have to hold, but then he got on and did it—again, with a positive and happy smile.
Our party depends on people devoting their time and effort to the Labor cause because they believe in the improvements it can make to the life of others. In reflecting on the loss of Kurt, our party celebrates the contribution he has already given, but we mourn the loss of his enormous potential and of what he still had to give.
We know music was a cherished part of Kurt’s life. One of the songs played at his funeral service contains the words “if a lion roars, would you not listen?” There are lessons for us all in Kurt’s vivacious approach to life. The echo of his time with us will carry on, and it is a privilege to speak to this motion today.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition): I rise today to speak on behalf of the opposition, and also the broader Liberal movement in this town, to express our condolences to the families, the friends and the colleagues of Kurt Steel. I especially note the family, Philip, Jayne and Chris, who are here, and Yasmin, who is absent; and all the friends of Kurt who are here today.
Many of us knew Kurt. I recall that just before he went on his trip I had occasion to walk up the stairs with him in the Assembly, as often was the case. His smile was very memorable. He talked of his excitement about going away.
Many of us on our side have had interactions with him, both formally and informally, over the years, be they chance encounters or more. His absence will be greatly felt.
Of the many qualities that Kurt possessed, one of the most striking was his ability to reach across the political divide. That is not to say that he was not a great warrior for his Labor cause; he was. But certainly the Kurt that we knew was someone that we only had positive dealings with and about whom we could only have positive things to say. Having been at Kurt’s funeral on Friday, where I know there was standing room only in the Playhouse, I can say that that is an expression from all across the political divide.
Kurt was a passionate warrior for the Labor cause, but he was always courteous, always professional and always approachable. That was expressed in Andrew Leigh’s speech, if you have seen it, which he gave in the federal parliament. It was a good one; I have watched that one. It is interesting that you make the comment about the Labor left and right, Chief Minister. You made the comment that Kurt would have been surprised about where the condolences came from, including the Labor leader, but perhaps he would have been even more surprised that they came from the Labor left. Clearly he was not just a warrior for the Labor cause; I know that he was a leading light in a faction, in the right faction. I am sure that one day he would have played an even greater role, both within the faction and within the greater Labor movement.
Kurt’s love of soccer was well known to us, as it was, obviously, to his family. Kurt played in the Assembly soccer team, Mr Doszpot’s team. Mr Doszpot is always
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