Rossi, Mr J.P.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:27): With the leave of the council, I move:

That the Legislative Council expresses its deep regret at the recent death of Mr Joseph Peter Rossi, former member of the House of Assembly, and places on record its appreciation of his distinguished public service.

I rise today on behalf of the government to acknowledge the passing of Mr Joe Rossi, former member for Lee in the other place. Mr Rossi was born in Italy in 1948 and came to Australia with his family when he was four years old. Before being elected to the House of Assembly, Mr Rossi served on the ethnic committee of the Liberal Party South Australian division, organising three ethnic food and cultural festivals at Fantasia Convention Centre at Findon.

Mr Rossi was elected at the 1993 'State Bank' election as the member for Lee, becoming the inaugural and to date the only Liberal member for that seat. Mr Rossi held the seat for one term until he was defeated in the 1997 election. On behalf of the government, I extend the chamber's condolences to Mr Rossi's family and loved ones.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:28): I rise on behalf of the opposition to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr Joe Rossi, former member for Lee, who passed away on 24 October 2024. Born in the late 1940s, Mr Rossi was born into a farming family from the city of Foggia in southern Italy before moving to Keith at a young age. As is the case with a lot of farming families, Joe developed his work ethic and got his hands dirty from the age of six by helping his parents on their mixed farming property through rabbit trapping, milking cows and using machinery around the farm.

After moving to Adelaide in his teenage years, Joe was first introduced to politics by acting as an interpreter for his parents to connect with his then federal member for parliament about immigration issues. This experience ultimately led Joe to then join the Henley Beach branch of the Liberal Party when he turned 18 years old, in addition to joining the Army Reserve and the St John Ambulance Service.

Representing the Liberal Party of South Australia at the 1993 state election, led by the Hon. Dean Brown AO, Mr Rossi contested and was elected to the seat of Lee in what has been regarded as one of the unlikeliest political wins in the state's history. With this victory Joe brought a new flavour of politics and policy to Parliament House. Whether you agreed or disagreed with Joe's unconventional ways, there is no denying that Joe was a political maverick who was dedicated to his community and to South Australia more broadly.

Joe championed causes ranging from better educational practices and bushfire management practices to the prevention of domestic violence and expansion of gambling services. As a politician and advocate Joe never wavered in his pursuit of servicing the interests of his constituents in Lee. He worked hard, selflessly and tirelessly not only to strengthen government accountability among his fellow members of parliament but to improve the lives of many others in South Australia.

Joe's political career came to wider public attention when he was thrown out by the Speaker after he walked into the House of Assembly eating a meat pie. As an avid meat pie enjoyer I can appreciate Joe's fondness for introducing the baked staple into our chambers, but I am almost certain that if our President, Mr Terry Stephens, was the Speaker of the house at that time Joe would not have got away with it, even if he had offered to share it with you, Mr President.

Nevertheless, Joe served his constituency well until the end of his term in 1997. I have said it many times in this chamber: it is a profound privilege to serve your community in the Parliament of South Australia. There is no doubt that Mr Rossi worked tirelessly to give back to the community which had placed their trust in him.

As we reflect on Joe's legacy let us honour his passion for the protection of women and children from violence, his belief in accountability and his lasting impact on the community he deeply cared for. On behalf of the opposition, we send our condolences and deepest sympathies to Mr Rossi's family and recognise his service to the parliament and the people of South Australia.

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:32): With the leave of the council, I move:

That, as a mark of respect to their memory, the sitting of the council be suspended until the ringing of the bells.

Motion carried.

Sitting suspended from 14:33 to 14:47.