Page 5089 - Week 14 - Tuesday, 28 November 2017
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from just meeting each other in the corridor or passing a few comments in the party room meeting. At the time of being new in this public role he must have sensed how overwhelmed and inadequate I felt at taking up such a huge task. Steve, being Steve, was always sensitive to people’s feelings and therefore so quick to offer comfort, encouragement and wisdom.
Although it is appropriate and important to remember the amazing man Steve was, it is equally important to remember that his work in this building and in the community continues. I have not known Steve as long as many of my colleagues but he left behind a legacy from which I can draw inspiration. When I remember his stories they become a part of mine and help me to live a better life.
Some people may say he was stubborn on issues; I would say that you could not keep him silent on his convictions. His unselfish devotion and selfless labours made him a hero, and he is held in high esteem for all he accomplished amidst hardships and triumphs. He was a man of courage, goodness and loyalty. He will forever be missed, though his work here in the chamber and in the community will echo through generations.
Thank you, Steve, for your infinitely good example. I share my sincerest condolences with Maureen and the children and others who loved this good man. He is a righteous man, and I leave this thought with you: the righteous never need to say goodbye, but see you later.
MR PARTON (Brindabella) (10.52): These speeches are tough because there is so much deep emotion associated with the loss of a friend. I was psyching myself up in my office earlier on, saying, “Oh, Parto, just be cool here. It’s going to be okay.” I came down the stairs with Andrew and my staff and we were having a jovial conversation about something else and I said, “This is going to be all right.” But I walked in and I saw the soccer ball, and teared up. But I guess if you cannot cry over the loss of someone like Steve Doszpot when are you going to cry?
I have been to too many funerals this year; I buried my father in my home town; I stood with the hundreds at Queanbeyan as they laid Val Jeffery to rest; I packed into that church at Manuka to farewell John Hannah; and I can tell you that I am not looking forward to the last goodbye to my friend Steve Doszpot.
I know people have reflected on the last day that he was here in this place, but I do not think many people understand how physically tough that day was for Steve. It was a long, arduous, very emotional day. In terms of his medical condition, it was quite possibly one of the last days he would have been physically capable of coming in and doing that; but didn’t he do it well!
I have known Steve for nearly 20 years. I have shared the opposition benches with him for the past year. It has been his most difficult year, but you just would not have known. He was always upbeat; he was always optimistic; he was always trying to help; he was always trying to fight the good fight. This was one doggedly proud Hungarian Australian. He taught me a lot about stubborn doggedness. Let me tell you,
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