Wednesday, 17 June 2026

 Alison MARCHANT (Bellarine) (10:24): I rise to pay tribute to Graham Ernst, a former member for Geelong East and Bellarine, who served in this Parliament from 1979 to 92 and passed away in April this year. Born in South Australia, Graham was a fitter and turner who worked at Alcoa in Geelong before entering public life. Those who remember him recall a gentle, calm and considered man. Graham was interested in people and serving his community. He understood that good representatives listen first, build relationships and bring people together, and that approach has earned him respect across the community and lasting outcomes. Graham loved his electorate. He would travel around in a small caravan, a mobile electoral office, taking Parliament to the people. His family joked that he may have checked the horseracing form guide before opening the office door, but once he did, his focus was always on the constituents. Graham once heard that a local resident’s house was flooding, and without hesitation he diverted everyone in that family car and went to help. That simple act said much about the man. His wife Sue said Graham was there for the community, not politics, and believed it was important not to lose sight of humanity in these jobs, and Graham never did.

He was proud to help secure land for SpringDale and support Wathaurong through providing space to strengthen their services to First Nations people. In his inaugural speech he spoke about the issues that remain central to the Bellarine today. To his children Virginia, Jeannette, Paul, Lara, Sonya, Jo-Anne, and to Sue, Zoe and Evan, I extend my sincere condolences. Graham served with decency, humility and humanity. Vale, Graham Ernst.