Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That the Senate records its deep regret at the death on 13 April 2010 of Bernard Francis Kilgariff OAM AM, former Senator for the Northern Territory, and places on record its appreciation of his long and meritorious public service, and tenders its profound sympathy to his family in their bereavement.

Bernie, as he was known, was born in Adelaide in 1923 but moved to Alice Springs with his family as a young boy. He was the first Territory student to achieve a year 10 intermediate certificate.

After he finished school, Bernie served in the Australian Army during the Second World War. He fought in Papua New Guinea in the 2nd/5th Battalion, 6th Division of the Australian Imperial Force. Upon his return, he became very active in his local community and was well known for being one of the first tourism entrepreneurs in the Alice.

Bernie had a distinguished career representing the people of Alice Springs, starting when he was appointed to the Legislative Council of the Northern Territory in 1960. He served in the Legislative Council until 1968, at which point he continued as a member of the new Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory until 1975. He was Speaker for two years until he was elected to federal parliament as one of the first two senators for the Northern Territory in 1975.

Bernie campaigned hard for the establishment of self-government for the Northern Territory, which was achieved in July 1978, and he remained a vocal advocate for statehood for the Northern Territory for the rest of his life. I am sure that Senator Scullion will have more personal reflections on what was clearly a very committed and active life advocating for the Northern Territory.

Bernie remained in the Senate until 1987 and played a significant role in the formation of the Country Liberal Party. During his time in parliament, he served on a number of Senate legislative and general purpose standing committees as well as a number of Senate select and joint committees. He was also a member of parliamentary delegations to China, Japan, Romania, the former USSR and Hungary in 1978; Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates in 1982; and Thailand and Indochina in 1984.

It is worth noting that, during Bernie’s 27-year political career, he never once lost an election. Not many of us can say that. In 1989, Bernie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and, in 1996, he was elevated to a Member of the Order of Australia. The recognition was for continued service to the Northern Territory through the Northern Territory Landcare Council, the Anti-Rabbit Research Foundation, the Cattlemens Association, the Australia Day Council and St John Ambulance. He was also invested as a Knight of the Order of St John. In 2001, he received the Centenary Medal for service to Australian society through the parliament.

Unfortunately, Bernie passed away on 13 April this year. He will be fondly remembered for his passion for politics and his lifelong commitment to the people and causes of the Northern Territory. Fittingly, he was accorded a state funeral at Alice Springs.

On behalf of the government, I offer our condolences to the family of Bernard Francis Kilgariff, particularly to his wife, Aileen, and their many children: Danny, Andrew, Frances, Helen, Claire, Brian, Anne, Michael, Kathryn and John. It is a full life well lived and a tremendous record of contribution to public service.