Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That the Senate records its sadness at the death on 11 October 2024 of Anthony (Tony) John Messner AM, former Minister for Veterans' Affairs and former senator for South Australia, and places on record its gratitude for his service to the parliament and the nation and tenders its sympathy to his family in their bereavement.

Mr Messner was a proud South Australian, despite having the misfortune of being born in Victoria. Growing up, he attended the Pulteney Grammar School and the South Australian Institute of Technology. He was an avid rugby union player in his younger years, playing in both Western Australia and South Australia. As reflected by many, he was built for the sport and was usually one of the biggest and strongest players on the field.

However, Mr Messner had competing passions. He became a chartered accountant and settled in Mount Gambier. It was there that he dived headfirst into the world of business and politics, going on to become the secretary of the Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce and becoming involved in the South Australian Liberal Party. He rose through the ranks quickly in the party, starting as an office bearer with the Young Liberals before holding the post of policy coordinator for the South Australian branch of the party and serving several terms on its state executive. Mr Messner would be elected as a senator for South Australia in December 1975 and was re-elected in 1977, 1983 and 1987.

This was a man that did not shy away from his beliefs. He saw small business as the lifeblood of the Australian economy and would use every opportunity to highlight their contributions and bring awareness to their struggles.

In November 1980, Mr Messner became the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and the Minister Assisting the Treasurer, The Treasurer at the time was the Hon. John Howard. With 20 years of practical experience as a chartered accountant, Mr Messner was an impressive assistant Treasurer, immersing himself in the policy discussions and steering Treasury bills through the Senate.

The Veterans' Affairs portfolio came with its unique challenges, with allegations that the exposure of Vietnam veterans to Agent Orange was causing various cancers and psychological disorders. Yet he did not shy away from these challenges and he travelled to the United States to examine how they were addressing this issue. Despite the difficulties, Mr Messner managed to achieve some truly remarkable things in the Veterans' Affairs portfolio. It was under Mr Messner that a veterans counselling centre was established in every state and the Northern Territory. It was under Mr Messner that amendments to the repatriation legislation were passed, ensuring that every Australian veteran, including peacekeepers, was eligible for repatriation benefits regardless of what conflict they served in. Mr Messner said, in regard to compensating those who had served our nation:

It is a philosophy which reflects the very best of the Australian character, that is, helping those in need, standing together in times of need and making sure that useful people are not thrown on the scrap heap before their time.

Even after Mr Messner left the Senate, he continued to dedicate his time to worthy causes, including Operation Flinders Foundation, an outback adventure program dedicated to transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people. In 1997, Mr Messner was appointed the Administrator of Norfolk Island, a position which he held until 2003. In 2004, he was deservedly appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his considerable contributions to the people of Norfolk Island, Australian veterans and to the federal parliament.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr Messner, but by all accounts he was a dedicated and passionate individual who left a very proud legacy. I extend my condolences to those that knew him. The loss of a loved one is heartbreaking. While he will be sadly missed by his loving family and friends, I trust they will reflect on the happy memories and his lasting contribution to the nation.