Motions

Coulter, Dr J.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (11:28): I move:

That this council notes the extraordinary legacy of former Australian Democrats Senator Dr John Coulter as an advocate for a sustainable future for South Australia and extends its condolences to his family and loved ones.

I rise today to note the passing of Dr John Coulter, a giant of this state and this nation and, more broadly, this nation's environmental sector.

For 20 years, John was a scientist at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS) in Adelaide, as well as being a prominent and articulate environmentalist. This led to attacks from industry on a number of occasions. His increasingly high public profile made his employers uneasy. He was not only unafraid to speak out on issues such as environmental and health matters, he was also prepared to address head-on issues such as the health hazards posed by drugs and industrial chemicals.

He had run a successful community campaign against the cutting down of large native trees in his local area—the Campbelltown City Council—early in his political career. He campaigned on an environmental platform, and served on that council for three years. For more than five decades he worked tirelessly on environmental issues at a local, state and federal level. As a medical researcher, university lecturer, politician, founding member of Conservation SA and president of the Australian Conservation Foundation, John contributed to countless medical, environmental and sustainability organisations and causes over his 50-plus year career.

Over the course of that half a century, he advocated for reform on a wide range of issues, including nuclear issues, population, nature protection, renewable energy and climate change. He was elected to the Senate in 1987, and he went on to be Democrat spokesperson on the environment from 1990 to 1995. In fact, I met him in those years, and I vividly remember the archetypal Democrat's facial hair. He then went on to serve as Senate leader of the Democrats from 1991 to 1993. He was very well known for over 40 years for his action on planning issues in our state. John gained notoriety in 1991 when he interrupted the launch of the proposed MFP (multifunctionpolis)—that never happened, of course—co-funded by the state and federal governments.

As the Democrat's environment spokesperson, he spoke out about the need to protect our old growth forests and wilderness, and he warned of the risks of pollution of fresh water posed by industry, agriculture and urban waste. He advocated for the endangered bilby to be a symbol of our Australian Easter, rather than the environmentally destructive exotic rabbit. His legacy was also experienced in the promotion of the Easter bilby each year in federal parliament, being delivered in chocolate form to all MPs first by John and then later by then Senator Natasha Stott Despoja.

He was an active campaigner against uranium mining and nuclear testing. During his time in the Senate, John introduced some 12 private senators' bills, most of which addressed environmental issues. While none passed the Senate, a number prompted the government to introduce similar legislation. He introduced bills to ban ozone-depleting substances and uranium enrichment and the very first national bill to protect threatened species, which of course went on to have a legacy that we still see today.

John also established the very first major Senate inquiry into climate change, calling for the introduction of a carbon tax in 1995, proposing that the funds raised would then be used to develop energy-efficient industries. He was a visionary.

In March 1995, John Coulter introduced to the Senate the bill that he saw as the logical culmination of his efforts to find effective legislative measures for the promotion of a sustainable environment. The Constitution Alteration (Ecology, Diversity and Sustainability) Bill would 'alter the constitution to ensure that when making laws the parliament takes into account the effect of such laws on…the natural environment'. He was thinking not just one, not just two, but many generations ahead.

How much further might this nation be now in our progress—and perhaps the world's progress—on mitigating the impacts of climate change had these sorts of bills been passed some 30 years ago? The detrimental impacts of climate change that challenge us daily may well have been minimised. We would have placed not only the environment but intergenerational equity at the forefront of our national decision-making.

John was, in my political history, a figure of respect. I certainly remember seeing him on stages when I was a university student and in the 1993 election period speaking so persuasively about the environment and social justice and the vision for a future for all of us. It is no surprise that a Greens member of this place would make this speech, because John advocated for the Australian Democrats and the Greens to consider merging, something that the membership did do. Indeed, as the Hon. Robert Simms well knows, he did not quite get the votes internally for that to happen, but I vividly remember John saying there was little difference between the Greens and the Democrats—our policies are the same, it was simply that our brand in each state and territory was different.

I do believe the Greens carry on the tradition and legacy that I would hope John wanted to see in our parliaments. I also cannot not mention Merilyn Pedrick, his long-time office manager, someone I had the pleasure to work with for many years, who was a candidate for the seat of Mayo for the Democrats many times, built up that seat for the Democrats, was a local councillor and also a visionary, an environmentalist, passionate about a future for all of us and who also has passed in the last few years. With that, I commend this motion to the council. Vale John Coulter.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (11:35): I rise on behalf of government members to express our condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Dr John Coulter. John Coulter was of course best known for his service in the Australian Senate, representing our state, South Australia, from 1987 to 1995 as a member of the Australian Democrats. During his term in the Senate Dr Coulter rose to serve as deputy leader and ultimately leader of his party, becoming the fourth person to hold each of those offices.

Dr Coulter is one of those remarkable individuals who is remembered for the issues on which they campaigned, not only within the parliament but beyond. Dr Coulter's legacy as an environmentalist preceded his time in the parliament and lasted to his final days. That commitment to his values and beliefs defines John Coulter in the minds of many South Australians and leaves a lasting legacy.

Whether as leader of a political party in the Australian federal parliament or as councillor on the Campbelltown City Council, as president of the Conservation Council of South Australia or as a passionate advocate for the natural world, Dr Coulter made the most of every opportunity to advocate for our precious environment. The environmental causes he joined were as diverse as the roles he held, from uranium mining and nuclear testing to climate change and the hole in the ozone layer, the protection of Lake Eyre, the preservation of old growth forests and advocating against land clearing in the last years of his life. John Coulter was an unwavering voice for the issues he believed in.

It would be a mistake to simply remember John Coulter as an environmentalist. He was once an Anglican preacher. He went on to became a doctor and a scientific researcher and used his platform in the federal parliament to advocate on many issues. I particularly remember John Coulter's support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) when legislation to establish it was put forward by the then Hawke government. His was an important vote and advocacy in the passage of that important legislation.

On behalf of the government, I offer my sincere condolences to Dr Coulter's daughter, his stepchildren, his friends and loved ones, and to the many Australians who worked and campaigned alongside him. Vale John Coulter.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (11:37): I rise to speak on behalf of the opposition on the sad passing of the former Australian Democrats Senator, Dr John Coulter. It is clear, when looking back at the life and public contribution of John Coulter, that he was not someone who let life pass him by. Born in the late 1930s, he was from a different era, a prewar child who was born and raised during the hardships of the interwar years in the then outer suburbs of Perth.

Like so many parents who want the best for their kids, both parents worked hard so that John could get a good education, as there were hopes he would pursue a medical career. After leaving Wesley College in Perth as a proficient science student, he started a science degree at the University of Perth before moving to Adelaide, where he completed a degree in medicine at the University of Adelaide in 1956. He married in 1953 and with his wife started a family whilst living in Rostrevor.

After completing his residency at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, he worked as a locum but never lost his passion for medical research. He secured a position at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, and his research into staphylococcus infections, along with other research, was published in different medical scientific journals. His focus broadened into the impact of chlorinated pesticides and the impact of various other toxic substances on human tissues. He raised public awareness about the dangers of potential carcinogenic substances present in different pesticides and other chemicals.

However, his outspoken approach caused issues with his then employer, which resulted in him losing his job and having to spend some time on unemployment benefits. He then secured a position as a lecturer at the University of Adelaide. During this time he became very active in different conservation and environmental groups, including the Underwater Research Group, Conservation Council of South Australia and the Australian Conservation Foundation. He also served on the Campbelltown City Council and was very involved in planning issues around Adelaide. He was involved in the group Sustainable Population Australia and was outspoken on Indigenous rights issues.

John was elected to the Senate in 1987 and was a strong advocate for environmental issues and an active campaigner against chemical impacts on the environment. He was convinced that this was the ideal focus for the Democrats, and he was a strong voice in favour of protection of Australia's old growth forests and the preservation of Australia's unique habitat. He was behind the push to make the bilby the Australian symbol of Easter, leading to the release of the chocolate Easter bilby as the rival of the Easter bunny.

He took over as the Democrats parliamentary leader, where he remained their spokesperson on the environment, and during this time he was also outspoken against what he saw as issues of abuse of power and conflicts of interest. When he resigned from parliament due to ill health in 1995, the valedictory speeches from all sides of the chamber paid tribute to his principled commitment and his work ethic. He was also recognised for bringing a strong scientific and research background to the political debate.

While John Coulter had crossed swords with many people due to his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, it was clear that those who held different views respected him for his commitment to public service and his informed and principled approach. As Winston Churchill said, 'You have enemies? Good! That means you have stood up for something, sometime in your life.' He remained a member of the South Australian branch of the Democrats but was disappointed with the party's increasing involvement in economic policy. His opposition to the Democrats' involvement in negotiations that led to the passage of the goods and services tax led to his resignation from the party, which he saw as losing its way from the core focus of environmental issues.

John Coulter led an incredibly busy life, served on many different groups and was a tireless campaigner, motivated by his service to the people. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and many former colleagues at this time. Vale John Coulter.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (11:41): I rise very briefly to speak to this condolence motion. I want to begin by extending my condolences to Dr John Coulter's daughter, Kiersten, and his stepchildren, Graham, Debbie and Gwendolynne.

As has been observed today, Dr John Coulter was a strong advocate for our environment, and he fought for action on a range of issues, including nuclear power, nature protection, renewable energy and climate change. Prior to his career as a Senator, Dr Coulter worked at the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science in Adelaide as a research officer and a specialist pathologist and then as a lecturer in energy studies and then environmental studies. Dr Coulter was also heavily involved in a number of environmental organisations, not least the Conservation Council.

I remember seeing him at an election forum I spoke at back in 2022 with the then shadow environment minister and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Susan Close. It was clear even at that meeting that, despite his advanced age, Dr Coulter was still very passionate and very interested in environmental issues. Indeed, his significant legacy was acknowledged by the hosts of the event.

As has been observed, throughout the seventies and eighties Dr Coulter was an active critic of uranium mining and nuclear testing, and he campaigned against the proposed Redcliff plant and the Roxby Downs indenture act. He joined the Democrats in 1980. In 1987, he was elected as a Senator for South Australia, and he remained there for eight years. He also spent two years as Leader of the Australian Democrats.

In 1995, when he resigned, the casual vacancy in the Senate was filled by Natasha Stott Despoja, whom the Hon. Tammy Franks and I both had the opportunity to work with. Whilst I did not spend a great deal of time with Dr John Coulter, he was someone who I heard a lot about over the years. I think his contribution to environmental policy in particular has been acknowledged by many people right across the political spectrum.

I think he had one of those unique capacities in politics, that is, being someone who brought a significant level of technical expertise to the parliament and was able to use that to actually affect policy outcomes and change political discussions. That is a unique skill to have. He was certainly ahead of his time. In particular, as noted by the Hon. Tammy Franks, back in 1995 he called on the Keating government to introduce a carbon tax. That was 17 years before the Gillard government finally introduced one and we saw that debate in Australia, so he really was ahead of his time in calling for action on the environment in particular.

I commend the motion and pass on my condolences to his family and friends. He leaves behind a significant legacy and he is certainly a South Australian who has made a big contribution. Vale John Coulter.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (11:45): I thank those members today who have made a contribution: the Hon. Minister Maher, the Hon. Nicola Centofanti and the Hon. Robert Simms. Indeed, anyone who has ever had a Haigh's bilby now knows how that all happened. Of course, my condolences also go to his family and loved ones. I would like to put on record today my respect for his profound legacy. My gratitude for his vision will continue. Again, vale Dr John Coulter.

Motion carried.