This morning I was informed of the passing of the former member for Werriwa, the Hon. John Kerin AO. Mr Kerin was elected to the federal parliament as the member for Macarthur in 1972, losing in the 1975 election. On Gough Whitlam's retirement in 1978, Mr Kerin was elected as the member for Werriwa. He represented the seat for 15 years and was in this parliament for 18.

John Kerin grew up in rural Australia and worked in the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics while juggling a double degree in arts and economics. John Kerin helped transform Australia as a minister in the Hawke-Keating Labor governments, serving as Minister for Trade and Overseas Development, as Minister for Transport and Communications, as Treasurer, and as Minister for Primary Industries and Energy for eight years—the longest in Australian parliamentary history. His work was pivotal in helping implement the reformist agenda of the Hawke-Keating governments, and his contribution to Australia will always be remembered and recognised.

In 2001 he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to this parliament. I recognise Mr Kerin's commitment and contribution to our community. He was the first member for Werriwa that I got the opportunity to vote for. I pass on my sincere condolences to Mr Kerin's family and his friends at this time.

Link to Hansard: Full Speech