Page 924 - Week 04 - Thursday, 7 May 2020
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But within what was a fulfilling and reformist career as a parliamentarian, Dr Foskey left a lasting impression about what she stood for. The very first bill that we both voted for was the Civil Unions Bill 2006. It was the first piece of legislation that I got to vote on as a member of this place, and Dr Foskey was a strong supporter of civil unions at that time and, indeed, for equality amongst all in our community. She was most generous in her support for that legislation and her support for this community in that particular debate.
Other matters that were topical at that time related to education policy. Although Dr Foskey and I might have had slightly different views in relation to where schooling should be by 2020, she engaged constructively with the government of the day at the time and me, as education minister through that period, never stepping back from her passionate views about how our education system should operate but doing so in a manner that allowed constructive engagement.
That parliament, from 2004 to 2008, did operate somewhat differently from the way this Assembly has generally operated, with a different Chief Minister and a very different approach to the crossbench during that period. I imagine it would have been a difficult task for Dr Foskey, as a sole member of the crossbench in a small parliament, in that environment, but she never shied away from her views, expressed them strongly on behalf of her political party and was a very able and considered member of this place.
On behalf of the government and, I believe, the entire Assembly and Canberra community, I extend our sincerest condolences to Dr Foskey’s family, friends and colleagues in their bereavement.
MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (10.08): The opposition joins all other members of the Assembly in paying tribute to Dr Deb Foskey. Deb’s life was one of activism, conviction and compassion. As a member of this Assembly, she championed environmental causes, as well as supporting the vulnerable and disenfranchised.
She was born on 12 November 1949 in Victoria, and she worked as a farmer, teacher, environmentalist and politician. As the Chief Minister said, Dr Foskey was highly educated, with her qualifications including a doctor of philosophy in political science and international relations, a master of letters in human ecology, a diploma of education and a bachelor of arts.
Whilst I did not know her well, from what I do know, her life was the quintessential story of an altruistic activist who followed her beliefs and conviction. She campaigned against the Vietnam War and was part of the environmental movement of the 1970s and 1980s. She was a lifelong feminist, and she lived in Bonang in East Gippsland for many years. She and her then husband built an extraordinary house in the wilderness.
Her activism soon turned to campaigning against logging. Soon after moving to Canberra, on 23 November 1986, tragically, her son, Brandon, drowned at Casuarina Sands. It was reported that for an hour and a half the 13-year-old bravely held onto the weir as he waited to be rescued. Despite attempts, it was unsuccessful. I cannot imagine the trauma and impact that such an event would have on a mother.
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