Thursday, 15 August 2024

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (09:50): Jude Perera was the first Sri Lankan born and educated member of this house – indeed of any lower house of any parliament in Australia. It was a source of pride to him that he was elected by a predominantly Anglo-Saxon Australian-born population to be their member for Cranbourne. He said in his inaugural contribution to this place that was a marker of the strength of diversity in our state, because Jude Perera was a champion of multicultural Victoria and a passionate advocate for his community, for Cranbourne and the wider Sri Lankan and Indian communities of Victoria, and he knew that multiculturalism was an essential part of our success, making our state a better, fairer, kinder place. Jude also understood that better relationships with the Indian subcontinent not only strengthened our cultural understanding but created stronger economic ties that have enriched us all.

Jude Perera’s life cannot be summed up solely by his role as the member for Cranbourne. He was of course a loving husband, father and grandfather. On behalf of all Victorians I convey my deepest condolences to his family and friends and to the community of people who loved him.

In referring to Jude’s first statement to the house, I will finish with his final statement to the house, when he singled out his work in helping new migrants settle in Australia as his proudest achievement ‍– work that reunited families, enriched our economy and further strengthened the diversity of our state. A migrant himself, Jude wanted others to have that same opportunity. That demonstrates a generosity of spirit in Jude that we can all admire. Vale, Jude Perera.