Page 5088 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 28 November 2017
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For a life lived with hardship, joy and meaning, it was cut too short. But Steve’s dedication and contribution to our community, to the world of football and to his family and friends will live on forever.
Farewell, Steve Doszpot. Farewell, big brother.
MR MILLIGAN (Yerrabi) (10.47): I rise today to pay my respects to a good mate, colleague and advocate for the Canberra community, Steve Doszpot.
Steve was not only a valued colleague to many of us here but also a dear friend and a prime example of the type of tireless commitment and passion for a community that our constituents look for in a local member.
When looking back at the life of our mate, his extraordinary work ethic and dedication to the Canberra community instantly come to mind. Steve aimed to leave his community in a better place than when he found it, and stopped at nothing to achieve wonderful results for his constituency. I truly admire Steve’s ability to go above and beyond the call of duty as a member of the Legislative Assembly to achieve great things for his community.
Since being elected to this place in 2008, Steve has touched many lives, many through his trivia nights and fundraising events for local charities. I believe that if anything can define the hard work and community spirit of Steve, it is his dedication to assisting those in most need through his annual fundraising events.
Before we were colleagues, we were mates in the Liberal Party, often bonding over our love for sport. I will miss our debates over using the term “football” when describing the AFL or NRL, which would often get me into trouble. I secretly agreed with him that soccer should be defined as football, but was not willing to admit it to him. I enjoyed provoking the debate way too much. I know that Steve will be cheering on the Socceroos in the world cup next year from the best seats in the house.
I would like to make special reference to Steve’s love for his family. Above all else, this is something I will always remember Steve for. There was absolutely nothing more important to Steve than his family. To Maureen, Adam, Amy and all of Steve’s much-loved grandchildren: I am so sorry for your loss. Steve often spoke about his love for you all. Many prayers are with you all during this extremely difficult time. Maureen, your husband was a great man and will be deeply missed.
Canberra has lost a good friend and champion. Steve, rest easy, mate.
MRS KIKKERT (Ginninderra) (10.49): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for this opportunity to speak about and remember Steve Doszpot. I would like to let Steve’s family and friends know that I hold Steve in the highest regard and have nothing but the greatest admiration for him.
When I first got into office he said to me, “You and I should catch up and get to know each other.” I was, of course, keen for the idea. To me, “getting to know” is different
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