Thursday, 16 October 2025

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (10:00): I rise to acknowledge the passing of Kaiden Morgan-Johnston: a son, a brother, an uncle, a partner, a cousin, a friend and an Indigenous leader. On 27 September his life was tragically cut short. He was well known for his sense of humour, his love of family, his love of culture and dance, his enjoyment of hamburgers and chocolate milkshakes and his acts of kindness and passion for country. He was full of life and his family are heartbroken. He was a cherished member of the Boorun Boys, and through dance he celebrated his culture. He was passionate for his environment, and he loved his partner Jayla and walking their rescue dog. While attending Kaiden’s funeral yesterday, meeting a commitment to his mother Sascha, we heard his family so beautifully reflect on his life, but they also spoke about justice. A call for justice in handwritten banners that stood on the side of the stage had a handprint of Kaiden’s and also those of his family. The mourners in the overflowing Kernot Hall listened to celebrant Kellie Eddy. She shared the words of member for Gippsland Darren Chester, who knows Kaiden’s family well. Darren said:

Kaiden deserves to be remembered for the way he lived, not how he died.

We have so much work to do as a nation to end violent crimes in our homes, in our schools and on our streets. This senseless death is just another reason why we should never give up. My heartfelt condolences to Sascha, William, Kaiden’s brothers and sisters, Jayla, his extended family and his community.