Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to make a contribution today on the life of the late Bruce Childs. I wasn't in this place, believe it or not, when he served here. Why I'm speaking about this, on somebody who served the New South Wales state so well over so long, is that a member of the Tasmanian Labor Party, Fay Gervasoni, worked for him for a long period of time. She talked about his commitment to the Labor movement. She spoke about his involvement with the Labor Party over such a long period of time. She was still heartbroken even though he passed away at the age of 88—that's still too early, I would think—but I thought it was fitting because of the way Fay felt about him, and the fact he was such a good boss, and that he was a role model for so many others. I'm sure that, in the condolence motion, there were people who eloquently talked about his contribution.

He was married three times, which I think is—that's an effort! He had a son and a daughter. I've only done it once and, personally, I think once is enough—but each to their own! As I understand it, he rose through the Labor movement. I think it's indicative of people who have transitioned through the Labor movement that, once they are a union person, they are always a union person. I didn't take that tour into the Senate or politics, but I was raised by parents who believed in the Labor movement and unions, which has helped shape who I am.

It also should be noted that Bruce was very passionate about social issues—the Vietnam War, supporting women. In fact, I think he was a man ahead of his time. I just wanted to place on record my condolences to his family.