Page 2026 - Week 07 - Thursday, 13 August 2020
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the federal Senate to find it within themselves to support the bill to restore territory rights. They did not. John was scathing in how disappointed he was, and especially that Senator Seselja was one of those who voted against this important change. Indeed, he made a sign that said Senator Seselja was not his senator and for several days stood outside Senator Seselja’s office in response, until he regrettably took ill.
John also wrote an extraordinary poem called Capital Punishment in response. I quote from one of the stanzas, which illustrates what happened and how we as a community reeled from it:
In the capital, the rules contrived
By snakes, the morally deprived
Who cling to visions we deride
And cast the public’s votes aside …
John was here in this gallery in November last year, showing his support for a territory rights motion I was moving. I think one of John’s great regrets, and mine, is that he did not see the repeal of the law that restricts us here in the ACT. I promise not to lose sight of how important this is, for all Canberrans but as a part of John’s legacy, too.
John was an activist in many other areas and believed very much in social justice and in narrowing the gap between rich and poor. As is evident, he was a talented writer, especially around these issues. His poetry has been published and read aloud in theatre productions and will be featured in a forthcoming publication too. He regularly volunteered with charities for Christmas Day lunch.
In 2019 John downsized from his home in Page, moving a few streets over to Weetangera. I believe that it was around this time that John also started regularly attending a gym. Like most things in life, he approached it with great gusto and became a gym junkie. (Extension of time granted.)
John remains very well known for having an incredible memory for jokes, including lengthy ones. He was passionate about learning the piano and he planned to start up a musical group, Gerry and the Atrics. John gathered many friends about him and he maintained those friendships. He genuinely cared about others. When COVID struck, he organised a COVID-safe bin-night party for his neighbours, dressing up in a tuxedo, with champagne in hand. The images still bring a big smile to my face.
While John was a humble man who never considered himself important, he was important, and to many. John died on 30 June, following a short illness. I want to express my condolences to his many family members and many dear friends, including his children and his grandchildren, all of whom he was so proud, by whom he was so loved, and through whom his generosity and spirit live on. Vale.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 6.46 pm until Thursday, 20 August 2020,
at 10 am.
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