Tuesday, 10 May 2022
Condolences
Hon. Ronald William ‘Bunna’ Walsh
Hon. Ronald William ‘Bunna’ Walsh
That this house expresses its sincere sorrow at the death, on 30 March 2022, of the Honourable Ronald William ‘Bunna’ Walsh and places on record its acknowledgement of the valuable services rendered by him to the Parliament and the people of Victoria as a member of the Legislative Council for the electoral province of Melbourne West from May to October 1970 and member of the Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of Albert Park from 1979 to 1992 and as Minister for Public Works from 1985 to 1987, Minister Assisting the Minister for Employment and Industrial Affairs from 1985 to 1986, Minister Assisting the Minister for Labour from 1986 to 1987, Minister for Housing and Construction from 1987 to 1988, and from 1988 to 1990 as the Minister for Water Resources and Minister for Property and Services.
I would like to speak on behalf of the government in relation to the condolence motion to mark the passing of Ronald ‘Bunna’ Walsh. It is fair to say that the Labor Party has its fair share of larger-than-life personalities, and I do not think it is controversial in the least to include Bunna Walsh as part of such a list. He was a staunch advocate for his community, for the trade union movement and for the Australian Labor Party. He was raised during the Depression and World War II era in South Melbourne, becoming a wharf labourer, a union official and then a parliamentarian. Quite simply his résumé is quintessentially Labor.
I regretfully note that although first elected to our place he was not able at the time to serve here—a great loss at the time. He was disqualified based on a past conviction recorded as a 16-year-old, a conviction that resulted in a suspended sentence. It meant that he was delayed from entering Parliament for almost a decade. I believe that still to this day he is the only elected member to be denied his chance to serve the community under this now fortunately repealed law. I certainly hope that he was proud of this government’s recent spent convictions reforms, which recognise that past wrongs can often deserve a second chance.
Bunna Walsh was also clearly passionate about his community. He spoke often about the importance of investing in infrastructure and services. His contribution to the Port Melbourne community reflected his deep commitment to Labor values: fairness, equality and supporting those who need extra support. I understand that he and his beloved wife of 59 years, Lynette, were well known in the area and canvassed a celebrity-like status in Port Melbourne.
Bunna also made a distinguished contribution to the development of the state as a minister through his portfolios as Minister for Public Works, Minister for Housing and Construction and Minister for Property and Services, as well as Minister for Water Resources.
Following his retirement he kept very active in the local community, with a continuation of his values shining through. His legacy is rich. His impact on the Port Melbourne community is well known. It will be felt and remembered for some considerable time. As Leader of the Government, I pay tribute to his exceptional life and his amazing and tireless commitment to his community and to our movement.
It is also important to note his devotion to his wife, Lynette, his grandchildren and his two children, Karen and Neville, who is with us in the chamber today. On behalf of our government, Neville, I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you so much for being here today. We have lost an amazing man, your father.
Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (11:55): I desire to associate myself and the opposition with this motion to recognise Ronald William ‘Bunna’ Walsh. He was somebody I did not know but somebody who clearly had a significant influence on his community and the labour movement more generally. He was a waterside worker and an official in the Waterside Workers Federation from 1964 to 1979. He was clearly active on a number of local matters, and I am very interested in the story of the 1970 election and the spent criminal convictions. Some changes have been made to the law more recently.
He was later member for Albert Park between 1979 and 1992 and clearly was active in the public works portfolio and the water resources portfolio. People in the water industry do talk about Bunna Walsh because of reform that occurred in 1989 with the Water Act. He was very active in that process and in driving some of that reform. The community, I think, can thank him for that and the work that was done there and indeed his contribution to the Parliament. I pass on our condolences to his family and wish them well and note his significant contribution.
Ms TAYLOR (Southern Metropolitan) (11:57): It is indeed an honour and it is also with great sadness that I rise to speak and pay respect to the late Honourable Ronald ‘Bunna’ Walsh. Born in Port Melbourne, he attended state schools and became a waterside worker in 1954. He was indeed an official of the Waterside Workers Federation for many, many years.
Although he was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council in 1970, his initial service to community was prematurely cut short. However, his case has propelled very important change, removing stigma and discrimination from young offenders for minor offences that would not get a look-in today. A testament to his resilience, and buoyed by the love and support of the local community, he did not let this stand in the way of again seeking a position in state Parliament. And in 1979, as has been mentioned, he was elected to the seat of Albert Park, which he held until 1990.
During his time in Parliament he held the position of Government Whip from 1982–85 before moving to the front bench and working across several portfolios, which have been detailed today. A proud life member of the Labor Party and also former president of the ALP South Melbourne branch, we are very grateful for his formidable values and service.
It was inspiring to hear from those dear to him at the state funeral service, which I attended recently along with the member for Albert Park, Minister Martin Foley, and Josh Burns MP, the federal member for Macnamara. The mayor of Port Phillip also attended. Eulogies—very heartfelt eulogies—reflected on his humility, always honouring his working-class roots, and his history as a wharf labourer, selflessly helping so many throughout his life and career with a particular focus on social housing.
He and his late wife, Lynette, shared a wonderful life together and were parents to two children, Karen and Neville, one surviving. I would like to thank Neville for being here today. It is wonderful that you are here and honouring his memory. I am sure he is extremely proud of you, so thank you. My sincerest condolences to his family, broader family and friends.
What an amazing man. Something which really stood out to me at the state memorial service was that he had a motto, and that was to help someone every day. I just love that. That touched me, and that inspired me. So, thank you, Bunna.
The PRESIDENT: I ask members to signify their assent by rising in their places for 1 minute.
Motion agreed to in silence, members showing unanimous agreement by standing in their places.
The PRESIDENT: Pursuant to standing orders, as a further mark of respect for the Honourable Thomas Reynolds and the Honourable Ronald Walsh the sitting will be suspended for 1 hour.
Sitting suspended 12.02 pm until 1.09 pm.