Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to note the loss of a true community champion. Bruce Simpson from Deniliquin passed away suddenly on 13 February. Educated in Melbourne, Bruce found his way to the Riverina, where he developed a skill and passion for agriculture and irrigation. As a farmer he was regarded as first class. He joined the Institute of Company Directors, graduated from the rural leadership program and began a long journey of local community involvement.

As an agribusiness consultant he gave invaluable oversight and advice to local irrigators and the dairy sector. He successfully argued the case for farmers to access government support during the millennium drought. As Chair of the Murray Group of Concerned Communities he was right at the centre of all of the implications relating to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. He was a director of Murray Irrigation for six years.

More recently, his interest in youth education saw him elected committee chair to establish a local, country university centre. Bruce was director of Intereach, delivering support for thousands of people across southern New South Wales. He was inquiring, thoughtful, always well prepared, with a deep understanding of governance processes. More importantly, he was a good bloke with genuine warmth and interest, respect and concern for others. He was always giving back.

I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife, Shandra; his children, Charlie and Lucy; and their extended families. Anyone in his circle—colleagues and friends—was better off for knowing Bruce Priestley Simpson.

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