Thursday, 18 May 2023

Anthony Staley

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (09:45): Yesterday we farewelled a giant of Australian politics: Anthony – known as Tony – Allan Staley AO, born 15 May 1939, died 3 May 2023. We learned via the numerous erudite family and friend eulogies yesterday that his passion for politics was surpassed only by his love for family. While there was a chance he might have entered the priesthood, two days of theology studies saw him shift academic pursuits quickly. The vicar Dr French concluded the lectures must have been less than inspiring. However, Tony’s final refrain to every conversation he had with anybody ended in ‘God bless’. We were told Tony instilled in all who knew him the courage to be and a strong sense of self. I was honoured to know Tony as a dear friend all my political life, and my husband Stewart has also lost a very close political confidant of infinite wisdom. We are all saddened by his passing. We send our deepest sympathies to his children Sam, Richard, Jon, Ali and Lucinda; their families; and his world of friends. Vale, Tony Staley, and God bless.