Paul Calvert (President) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to add a few words of tribute to the motion of condolence for the late Hon. Dr Reginald Turnbull. Spot Turnbull was one of the most significant political figures in Tasmanian politics in the second half of the 20th century. He was an MHA for Bass from 1946 until 1961, when he resigned to successfully contest a Senate election. He was a gifted physician who contributed greatly to improvements in public health. He was Australia’s second Independent senator and served in the Senate for 13 years. He had previously been a Tasmanian Minister for Health and later Treasurer in the Cosgrove and Reece Labor governments. In local government, as has been said, Dr Turnbull was a popular and effective mayor of Launceston while serving as a senator. He was once described as the ‘stormy petrel’ of Tasmanian politics, and I think that would be a label Spot would have relished. He remained interested in politics throughout his long life and attended celebrations in Melbourne to mark the Centenary of Federation in 2001. He received a Centenary of Federation Medal for his parliamentary service. Following his 90th birthday, Spot indulged in a series of living wakes because he said he would not spend money on parties he could not attend.

I thank Senator Julian McGauran for representing me and the Senate at Dr Turnbull’s funeral service in the chapel at Wesley College. My condolences go to his wife, Nell, herself the daughter of the great surgeon Sir John Ramsay, and to Spot’s three children, Dr Shann Turnbull, Dr Hamish Turnbull and Marsha, Lady Grimwade. I now invite honourable senators to stand in silence to signify their support for the motion.

Question agreed to, honourable senators standing in their places.