Thursday, 4 August 2022

Neil McInnes

Mr DIMOPOULOS (Oakleigh—Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Creative Industries) (09:47): It is with deep sadness that I pay tribute today to Neil McInnes, a long-time Labor supporter and a great friend who passed away on Monday, 4 July. Neil was fondly recognised as an intelligent and soft-spoken person who respected everyone and made them feel heard. He always stood up for what he believed in—gender equality, asylum seeker rights and welfare, social justice. These were non-negotiable for Neil. He expressed those beliefs loud and proud, but his actions were even louder.

Neil was an active and hardworking member of the South Clayton ALP branch. He served as a returning officer the entire time. This is testament to his work ethic and popularity. He would make himself available to volunteer for the Labor Party time and time again, but he also extended his helping hand to many other community causes. He was known as the friendly and familiar face you would want to see at events, who people always felt they could talk to. Neil had a way of making people feel welcome and supported.

My sincerest condolences go to Neil’s wonderful family—his wife, Irene; his three daughters and several grandchildren—and to all his loved ones. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and a truly kind and caring man. He will be missed deeply by all those who knew him, including me. Vale, Neil McInnes.