Hansard debates

Mr O’DONOHUE (Eastern Victoria) (10:51): (By leave) President, can I thank you and members of the house for this opportunity to give a valedictory, and can I thank my colleagues Ms Bath and Ms Crozier for their kind words.

People often say that we have an obligation to those who come before us to do our best and to leave things better than we find them, and I want to recognise a few people who have come before me. Reg Free was like a grandfather to me, and I think of him when I drive past his old, modest farmers cottage in Craigie Road, Mount Martha. Although Reg only died 20 years ago, he would barely recognise the Mornington Peninsula today. He lived a life of hard, relentless physical labour that few of us now experience. He and so many like him helped to build the community in which I live and have been so proud to represent.

I think of my grandmother Margot O’Donohue, the first married woman to graduate from law school in Victoria. Her subsequent admission to practice was so unusual that it was widely reported in the daily papers.

I also think of my parents. People often still stop me at functions and talk about what great people they are—kind, understated and respected. They instilled in me the importance of community. They have given me the best example and every opportunity. I am so lucky. I hope over the last 15 years I have been able to do justice to the work of people like Margot, Reg and my parents, while helping to leave things just a little bit better for those, like my children, who come after.

When I started in this role I was told by many to keep my private life private. Having done so, my only regret is that I have not publicly said enough about my family and what they have done for me over this journey. I am so fortunate to be married to such an amazing, selfless, talented and loving woman as my wife, Jen. She has never complained when I have rung on countless occasions to say, ‘I won’t be home after all’—I am sure something all of us can relate to. As an intelligent and astute reader of politics and people, Jen’s advice and counsel to me have been invaluable. Indeed at many functions, particularly Liberal Party functions, it has often been said to me that if I ever wanted to retire Jen should replace me—‘She’s fabulous’. And indeed she is. She has missed her chance. She has sacrificed so much to enable me to be my best, and I look forward to returning the favour in the coming years.

I have also refrained from publicly singing the praises of our four incredible children, who while still young are already teaching me so much about life and forging their own way with maturity, compassion and poise. To Charlotte, Claudia, Tommy and Sebastian, I cannot wait to see where your life journeys take you—and always remember to reach for the stars. I take this opportunity to also thank my parents; my two awesome, supportive, successful brothers, Nicholas and Jonathan; and Jen’s family—all of whom without their support I could never have served in the Parliament for so long.

One of the most remarkable things about being a member of Parliament is the people you meet, from the constituent who has lost everything and is in urgent need of help to the citizenship ceremonies where the joy from new citizens is palpable, and it is always such a strong reminder of how lucky we are to live in this country. Every person’s story is unique and important and deserves respect. It has been such a rich experience to get to know and work with people from every aspect of society.

I want to describe a couple of groups of people or individuals that I have worked with. I have worked with the 39th Infantry Battalion Association over the last decade to sponsor two year 10 Cardinia shire students every year to walk the Kokoda Track, with the aim of developing future community leaders and to honour those have served and defended Australia, particularly those who served during the Kokoda campaign. The scholarship is named after two local veterans, and twice a year we hold an event in my electorate office to either launch the scholarship or announce the winners. Sadly as the years have gone fewer veterans are still with us, making it all the more important to honour their legacy by teaching subsequent generations about what they did for our country. While some worry about the so-called ‘younger generation’, when I catch up with the previous winners of this award I always walk away thinking our future is in very good hands.

It is often said that during a disaster you get to know the true character of a community, and the communities that I represent have shown again and again their resilience, concern and regard for each other. Over the last 15 years the Eastern Victoria Region has seen more than its fair share of natural disasters, from the Gippsland floods of 2007, 2012, 2018 and 2021, the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and the 2020 Gippsland bushfires to the storm event of earlier this year that caused so much destruction across the Dandenongs and the Yinnar district. During this time I have met many remarkable CFA, SES, CWA, Red Cross, police and other first responders going about their work to protect the community. It is such a privilege to represent such people.

Like all MPs, I have worked with the community on a number of projects. Today I want to talk about just one: the Officer Specialist School. Prior to its opening many children with significant disabilities from West Gippsland and the south-east of Melbourne were spending up to 2 hours each way every day on a bus to access appropriate education in inner Melbourne. The Officer Specialist School has changed that. It is an outstanding school for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. It is a great example of what community can achieve, and I was pleased to work with my friends Brad Battin and Martin Dixon, together with Cathy Smith, who led the community campaign for that new school. One of the happiest events I have attended as an MP was the opening of the school by Premier Denis Napthine, who himself has a lifelong commitment to people with a disability.

I am grateful to have served as parliamentary secretary to transport minister Terry Mulder for 2½ years. I learned a lot from Terry, and he was a wonderful mentor. His grounded, commonsense and practical approach is sadly, I believe, increasingly rare.

Following a resignation from cabinet in April 2013 I had a call from Denis Napthine’s executive assistant, Carmel. She said the Premier wanted to see me immediately. I went into his office and Denis said, ‘Ed, I want you to join cabinet’. I thought to myself, ‘This is very exciting’. He went on to say, ‘Ed, I want to appoint you as the Minister for Corrections, Minister for Crime Prevention and Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation’. He said, ‘Ed, these portfolios are perfect for you’. I was waiting for Denis to say, ‘You’ve done a great job as an MP. You’re very smart. You come with real skills’. He looked me in the eye with a straight face and said, ‘Ed, it’s widely known that the majority of prisoners are Collingwood supporters, and given that you’re Collingwood too, you will be able to relate to them and work with them’. He then went on to say, ‘I want you to be the Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation because with an Irish name like O’Donohue you have a natural understanding of both drinking and gambling’. I thanked Denis very much and left his office. Later that day I remember feeling stressed at the press conference where Denis announced me as the new minister. I must have looked stressed as John Ferguson interrupted the conference and said, ‘Ed, you need to relax. This is supposed to be a good thing. Enjoy it’.

The day after I was sworn in at Government House I was briefed on the then unknown fact that the shocking murder of the much-loved Jill Meagher was committed by a recidivist sex offender who had been on parole, a fact that once known rocked the community and shook its confidence in the justice system. This heinous crime followed the rapes and murders of scores of women at the hands of parolees over the previous decade. Fixing this system then became my focus and a focus of the Napthine government.

In May that year I commissioned a review of the parole system by former High Court judge Ian Callinan. Eight weeks later his report was handed to government, and shortly after it was made public. His report was remarkable for its brevity and clarity about what had to be done to fix this broken system. It is a good lesson for all of us that it does not always need a royal commission, two or three years of investigations and tens of millions spent on lawyers to implement change. Sometimes it just needs political will, clarity of purpose and clear objectives. By the end of 2014, eight separate pieces of parole-related legislation had passed, implementing virtually all of Mr Callinan’s recommendations, which coupled with additional funding of $84 million transformed the parole board’s operation.

A key recommendation was to require the board to publicly report how many serious criminal offences had been committed by parolees in the previous year. In 2013–14 a shocking 60 serious, violent and sex offences were committed by those on parole. In the 2020–21 year zero offences were committed by parolees. The results of these reforms implemented by the coalition government and, to its credit, maintained by the current government speak for themselves. The first full-time chair of the Adult Parole Board of Victoria, Bill Gillard, his successor, Peter Couzens, and his long-term deputy, Frank Shelton, together with their teams have done a remarkable job, and the community owes them a huge debt.

It has become commonly accepted by the left and many others that so-called tough-on-crime policies do not work and are counterproductive. But a stronger, more risk-averse parole system has indisputably cut crime, saving the community trauma and loss. The Auditor-General in a 2015 report acknowledged the significant improvements to the parole system that these changes delivered. These reforms have stood the test of time.

In early 2014 I had responsibility for the legislation to keep the Hoddle Street killer in jail until he posed no risk to the community. Naming someone in legislation should be done in rare and exceptional circumstances, but this was a case that warranted it. In government we tried to introduce new innovations to the prison system to tackle growing recidivism, a problem that has only got worse over the last seven years. The new Ravenhall prison introduced a number of new programs to drive behavioural change, but unfortunately many of these have now gone by the wayside. There is so much more that needs to be done to stop the cycle of crime.

As crime prevention and liquor and gaming minister new programs were commissioned to reduce crime and address the causes of offending behaviour, from family violence prevention funding to localised community responses to improve community safety, to strengthening the agent-of-change principle for the live music industry, to tackling the scourge of problem gambling. I worked closely with Premier Napthine on many of these issues, and he always gave me great support.

Perhaps one of the greatest privileges of being a justice minister or shadow minister from 2013 until just recently was the opportunity to get to know so many dedicated, courageous victims of crime and their advocates—people such as Noelene Nolan, the late Ron Fenton, Di McDonald, Maria Aylward, George Halvagis, Janine Greening and many, many more. Their capacity to continue on and advocate for change despite unimaginable loss should encourage all of us to do our best and to focus on what matters. I am proud to call many of these advocates friends.

While it is much harder to effect change from opposition it has not stopped me from trying, and over the last seven years I have introduced, I am advised by the papers office, 17 private members bills, with several of these bills passing this place, while others were catalysts for change by the government, such as the important no body, no parole laws. Having been Shadow Minister for Police, I affirm my respect for the thin blue line and for the unknown risks these brave men and women encounter every day when they put on their uniform.

But today I want to give a shout-out to a near-invisible group in our community that plays such an important role in the justice system. Every day thousands of prison officers, psychologists, behavioural change professionals and many, many others who work in the corrections system go to work to protect the community and to help offenders get their lives back on track. Their job can be dangerous, but it is very important, and we owe these wonderful people a vote of thanks.

To be Victoria’s alternative first law officer for three years was a great privilege. The Attorney-General holds an important place in our democracy as the bridge between an independent court system, the Parliament and the executive. I had particularly big shoes to fill following on from my talented friend John Pesutto, who I hope is soon back as a member of the other place, and Robert Clark, who was an excellent Attorney-General and has a remarkable capacity for work.

During my time as the Shadow Attorney-General I was helped by many lawyers, most of whom were motivated not by politics but to ensure there was sufficient scrutiny of the executive. I thank them all. I also want to acknowledge Michelle Loielo and her legal team for having the courage to take on the resources of the state of Victoria when she challenged the legality of last year’s curfew. The case revealed there was no medical basis for it.

I thank my former clerk, John Dever. John plays such an important role in the Victorian legal community, supporting literally dozens of legal groups. His insights into what is going on in our courts are valued and respected by both sides of politics.

The Parliament’s committee work can find cross-party solutions to important public policy questions, which can in turn be the foundation for long-term beneficial reform. I was pleased to chair the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee for 2½ years and the Legal and Social Issues Committee for four years. It is such a pity the community does not see more of this work where MPs across the political divide work together in the community’s interest. The recommendations made by the LSIC under my chairmanship paved the way for Victoria’s assisted dying laws, which empower individuals and reduce suffering. They are compassionate and respect the rights of the individual. This model has been the foundation for similar changes across Australia.

The parliamentary staff that service these committees do a great job. I particularly want to thank Richard Willis and Lilian Topic.

Being an MP affords the opportunity to be involved in other issues of public and international interest. In December 2009 I was honoured to host His Holiness the Dalai Llama to visit and address MPs at Parliament House. It was interesting to see during the lead-up to this visit the subtle and not so subtle pressure the Melbourne Chinese consulate brought to bear on many MPs to boycott the visit. While this visit enjoyed support across the Parliament, it was a pity the then Minister for Health, Daniel Andrews, was unable to meet such an important world leader. Perhaps his actions as Premier explain why.

Recently I have supported the people of Hong Kong in the fight against their quickly disappearing freedom by establishing and co-chairing with colleague David Limbrick the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Hong Kong.

I want to thank the Liberal Party for its faith in me. I am only an MP because of the support of thousands of wonderful Liberal Party volunteers who believe in me. I hope I have repaid that belief with my work, actions and deeds. I particularly want to thank my electorate chairman and my good friend, Mr Scott Rossetti, and the electorate executive from Eastern Victoria for their unending support during my time in Parliament. It means an enormous amount to me.

The Liberal Party does not have unions. It does not have Green groups, and nor does it, despite the perception, have big business. What it has is everyday citizens who believe in the values of the party, and to each and every one of those members I say a sincere thankyou. While it is dangerous to single out people, I want to acknowledge a few members who have worked and supported me so much: former Monbulk MP Steve McArthur and his wife, Sophie; former leader Alan Brown; Howard and Judy Carter; John and Betty Schurink; Sarah and Ray Krummins; Jack and the late Margaret Mitchell; Anne Macarthur, OAM; Mary Aldred; Cr Dale Harriman; Louise Rijs; Frank Greenstein; Ashley Lamers; and all those others who have supported me.

To the capable and dedicated leaders under whom I have been so lucky to serve, to Ted, to Denis, to Michael and to Matthew, I thank each of you for your faith and your trust in me and your unswerving commitment to the people of Victoria. None of us in this place, in this Legislative Council, know the pressure that is brought to bear on the leader of a major political party. It is relentless and always difficult, and I have been proud to serve under those four very capable people.

I want to thank my loyal and hardworking staff for whom I have nothing but the highest regard, respect and admiration. Over the last 15 years they have helped thousands of fellow Victorians, including many of the most vulnerable members of our community. They have always acted with integrity, compassion and understanding.

Soon after being elected in 2006, at the suggestion of Mr Rich-Phillips I met Susanne Lafontaine, and we worked together for the next 10 years. Sue is fiercely loyal, the perfect gatekeeper, a wonderful support with enormous experience and a good friend. She started her career working in Henry Bolte’s private office when she was 18. How is that for experience?

My two full-time staff over the last seven years have been Julia McIntyre and Glenn Corey. Julia’s dad is the much-loved Martin Dixon, and so she grew up around politics. She has an innate understanding of what is and is not needed. Nothing is a problem. I trust her with my life and all my passwords—I hope IT is not listening to this broadcast. I am so fortunate to have worked with her.

Glenn Corey is one of the best and longest serving electorate officers in the Parliament, having served for 25 years. He was chief of staff to then Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells, and his understanding of Victoria Police and the justice system is nothing short of remarkable. Glenn is known across the Parliament as intelligent and a man of integrity, as Labor’s then new Minister for Police, Wade Noonan, graciously acknowledged in his address-in-reply speech in 2015.

Now, while there are some people who have kindly expressed remorse at my decision to retire—or false expressions of remorse at my decision to retire—one of my staff, Helen Reid, is over the moon. Helen has been with me since 2007, and like Sue she has a wealth of experience and deep community connections. She has previously worked for Rob Maclellan and Ken Smith. Helen, who recently turned 75—and she has given me her consent to say that—has been trying to retire for years. So Helen, I wish you and Ted a very happy retirement and all the best for the future.

To Lilly, Bridget, Tony, Nana, Lynne, Katrina and other staff who have worked with me over the years, a sincere thankyou.

To my ministerial staff, led by the incredibly capable chief of staff, Phoebe Dunn; my media adviser, the best in the business in my view, James Talia; my dedicated advisers Paris, Nathan, Bridget, Lynne and the team, a sincere thankyou. Without your support and smarts we could not have achieved what we did. While a ministerial office is always busy, two of my staff managed to find some time to socialise and have subsequently married and had two beautiful children, which is a fantastic story.

I also want to acknowledge some former and current colleagues. I shared an electorate with Philip Davis, and he was the Leader of the Opposition in this place when I was elected. Philip, Elizabeth and their daughters have supported me and given me great counsel every step of the way. Andrea Coote was and has remained a great mentor. Andrea is astute, she knows what people are thinking before they have thought it and she is always positive.

The federal Minister for Health and Aged Care and member for Flinders, Greg Hunt, has been a great source of advice, and we have worked closely. It was such an honour to represent the Victorian government at Greg’s father the Honourable Alan Hunt’s state funeral. I have always done whatever I can in this place to preserve Alan’s greatest legacy, the creation of the green wedges.

To current and former colleagues Denis Napthine, Terry Mulder, Ken Smith, Mary Wooldridge, Gordon Rich-Phillips, Michael O’Brien, Matthew Guy, Martin Dixon, Brad Battin, Gary Blackwood, Georgie Crozier, Louise Staley, Kim Wells, David Southwick, Bridget Vallence and so many others, thank you for your friendship and support and work together in our electorate.

To the clerks, the Hansard staff, the red coats, catering, library, security and all who work in this beautiful historic building, you help us to do our job better and you play a very important role in the functioning of Parliament that few appreciate or understand. While we as MPs may come and go, you are the custodians of the history and traditions of this place, which are so important to its operation. You do a great job and deserve the gratitude of the community.

While talking about this place, some have suggested from time to time that it should be abolished. But the legislation we are about to debate after my speech confirms the importance of a house of review, as did legislation earlier in this Parliament—the proposed gag laws, which were defeated on the floor of this house. Despite having been through all of the government processes, cabinet, the Labor Party room and the lower house, it took the Legislative Council for common sense to prevail. So this place plays a very important role in our democracy and a very important role in checking the executive.

To the people of Eastern Victoria Region, thank you sincerely for electing me on four separate occasions to represent you in the Parliament of Victoria and for giving me the opportunity to be part of positive change in our region. I have been overwhelmed with calls, emails and messages from constituents following announcing my intention to leave this place, all of which are deeply appreciated. Your resilience during the pandemic has been an inspiration, and we can look forward to the future with hope and optimism.

We are fortunate to live in a liberal democracy, and the freedoms it guarantees are fragile and should never be taken for granted. But sadly, most people are dismissive of politics. I hope this changes in the future, and we as MPs and the broader community must do better to engage. Decisions are made by those who turn up, and for our democracy to be strong and vibrant more people need to care and to be involved.

As I leave Parliament I congratulate my successor, Cathrine Burnett-Wake, who I am sure will do a great job representing the people and the communities of Eastern Victoria. She will bring fresh energy, perspective and skills. If I may offer a word of advice to those who come after us, it would be: be true to yourself, do not listen to just the loudest voices and trust your judgement.

When we turn and look to the future, I think about this amazing building, the Victorian Parliament, that was constructed in less than a year in the 1850s at a time when Melbourne’s population was no more than 50 000. It was built by people of enormous vision and ambition. Let us also be people of vision and ambition for the future of our great state, Victoria, and all those who call it home.

President, with my last words in my last speech as an MP I again thank you and the chamber for this rare privilege to give this speech and to serve the community. I wish everyone well, but I particularly wish my friend Matthew Guy and the Liberal-Nationals team every success at the November 2022 state election. Thank you very much.

Members applauded.

The PRESIDENT: I call Mr O’Donohue to come forward, please. Mr O’Donohue, this is a small gift. You will find in this a certificate for your service and a small gift to thank you for your service to the Victorian Parliament and to the people of Victoria. On behalf of all of us, I wish you and your family all the best.