Condolence

Evans, Dr A.L.

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier) (14:01): By leave, I move:

That the House of Assembly expresses its deep regret at the death of Dr Andrew Lee Evans OAM, former member of the Legislative Council, and places on record its appreciation of his momentous service, and that as a mark of respect to his memory the sitting of the house be suspended until the ringing of the bells.

I rise to convey the sad news that Dr Andrew Evans MLC passed away on Thursday 25 May at the age of 87. Dr Evans cut a singular figure in the South Australian parliament, coming as he did from a life already spent in the service of the church. After working as a missionary in Papua New Guinea in the sixties, he spent over 30 years as a pastor with the Assemblies of God, first in Klemzig in 1970, rising to National Superintendent of the church in that decade, and ending his pastoral career, appropriately, in Paradise, where he was senior pastor of the AOG church until his retirement in 2000.

When others might have opted for the quiet life, he promptly found a second calling in the arguably less divine sphere of state politics. The year after leaving the church, he founded the Family First party and was elected at the 2002 election, at the age of 66, taking pride in his claim as the oldest person ever newly elected to this parliament. During his time in this building, he was a self-styled champion of conservative family values. He was especially passionate about justice for victims of child sexual abuse and spearheaded legislation to remove the existing statute of limitations on such crimes.

Family First enjoyed their greatest influence in the years that Dr Evans was in this parliament, with the party eventually gaining representation in the federal Senate as well as in the state parliaments of Western Australia and New South Wales, in addition to that of South Australia. However, his own political career was cut short by his ongoing ill health, and he was forced to retire from politics in July 2008.

He will be remembered as a respected gentleman by colleagues across the political spectrum. Along with his duties to the people of South Australia, his was a life dedicated to his faith and to his family. We recognise his contribution and service to this house and this parliament and share our condolences with his wife, Del, his sons, Ashley and Russell, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at this sad time.

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (14:04): I rise to provide a contribution following on from the Premier. Andrew Evans, who served in the Legislative Council from 2002 to 2008, was a much-loved figure across the South Australian community and beyond and a man who touched the lives of countless individuals. Andrew was a pastor, the Superintendent of the Australian Christian Churches, a politician, a husband, a brother and a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Andrew passed away on 25 May 2023 on the Gold Coast.

He was born in India on 17 June 1935, and from that day he embarked on a remarkable journey that would shape the lives of many. Andrew's story is one of resilience and determination. After 11 years in India, he moved to Adelaide to live with his aunt in Parkside, where he pursued his education. While working as a cabinetmaker, he completed his schooling via night school, laying the foundation for his future endeavours. His path led him to Papua New Guinea, where he dedicated seven years of his life to serving as a church leader, spreading love and inspiring countless individuals, again across South Australia, Australia and worldwide.

In 1970, Andrew returned to Adelaide and took over a small church in Klemzig. Over the next three decades, he nurtured it into the largest church in South Australia, leaving an enduring mark in the spiritual landscape of our state. Andrew's commitment to his faith and his genuine compassion for others made him a trusted pastor, providing support and guidance to tens of thousands of people through his lifetime in the church. Andrew's influence extended beyond the walls of the church, and as General Superintendent of the Australian Christian Churches he exemplified authentic leadership, known for his humility and integrity. His impact on the spiritual journeys of thousands of individuals cannot be overstated.

At the age of 65, he ventured into politics, where he brought his caring nature and values to the forefront. Andrew served as a member of the Legislative Council and as the cofounder for the Family First Party, representing the people and advocating for their needs. His colleagues from across the political spectrum respected him for his trustworthiness and his ability to keep his word. Andrew's respectful and kind demeanour won him friends from both sides of the aisle and on the crossbench, making him a well-liked figure in South Australia's parliament.

While Andrew's professional accomplishments are notable, his personal life was equally remarkable. He was a devoted husband to his first wife, Lorraine, who tragically lost her battle with cancer in 2011. He later married Del in 2013. Andrew cherished his role as a brother, a grandfather and a great-grandfather. His love for his family knew no bounds and his presence left a permanent mark on their lives.

To his two sons, Ashley and Russell, Andrew was simply 'dad', a source of unwavering love, kindness and inspiration. He instilled courage and resilience in his sons, shaping them into the individuals they are today. Andrew's impact on his family extended far beyond their immediate circle, as his legacy of compassion and leadership touched the hearts of many others.

Andrew Evans was a great leader and he believed in team leadership. Many people looked up to him as a mentor, and he was known for his unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of individuals, their families and the community. His genuine care for others and his firm belief in the power of faith propelled him forward, making him a force for positive change. His legacy is one of kindness, compassion, anchored in faith and courage, a testament to the incredible impact one individual can have on the world.

In recognition of his service to the community, Andrew was awarded an OAM in 2003. The honour reflected the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him as well as the selfless contributions that will be forever remembered and cherished.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of South Australia, I wish to pass on my condolences to Andrew's wife, Del; his two sons, Ashley and Russell; and his daughters-in-law, Jane and Sam. While I did not know Andrew Evans personally, many in his congregations and in his family are known to me and are my contemporaries. They ought to be immensely proud of what Andrew achieved. He demonstrated that faith and public service, including service in this place, can be undertaken with compassion, with dignity and with impact.

I have no doubt that his family and friends will be comforted at the time of his passing by cherishing his impact on this earth until they meet again, and I know that the well-known scripture from Philippians 1:21 will also be at the forefront of the thinking of his family and friends at the moment: 'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Vale, Andrew Evans OAM.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:10): I was very privileged to have known Andrew Evans, and I would just like to thank him for his lifetime of service, his care and compassion, whether it be with the church, to politics or to people in general, especially his care for his family. He was a true gentleman and probably the nicest bloke, if you can still say that, or the nicest politician, I have ever met. I would certainly like to thank him for his support during my coming to this place in 2006. I pass on my condolences to his family. He was a lovely, lovely gentleman.

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.

The SPEAKER: The house is suspended until the ringing of the bells.

Sitting suspended from 14:12 to 14:21.