Condolence

Leggett, Mr S.R.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:18): By leave, I move:

That the Legislative Council expresses its deep regret at the recent death of Mr Stewart Ronald Leggett, former member of the House of Assembly, and places on record its appreciation of his public service, and that as a mark of respect to his memory the sitting of the council be suspended until the ringing of the bells.

I rise today on behalf of the government to commemorate the life of Mr Stewart Leggett, the former member for Hanson, and to offer our sincere condolences to his family upon his recent passing. Born in Bordertown in 1944, Stewart's early years were marked by resilience. After a car accident forced him to leave school early, he completed his education through night classes while working in retail. His determination laid the foundation for a life dedicated to service and leadership.

His career in education began at Pulteney Grammar School, where he served as director of drama. Later, he became deputy headmaster and pastor of Temple Christian College, and eventually head of the Aldinga campus of the Southern Vales Christian College. Stewart's passion for nurturing young minds was evident in every role that he undertook.

Stewart's commitment to public service then extended to politics. As the Liberal member for Hanson from 1993 to 1997, he served on committees addressing social development, family and community services, and tourism. His advocacy was guided by a deep sense of moral responsibility and a desire to uphold his values. Beyond his political achievements, Stewart will be remembered for his warmth, humility and genuine care for others.

Even after Stewart's retirement he remained active in the community. Stewart served as a Justice of the Peace, contributed to the Legal Practitioners Conduct Board, worked with SAPOL on delivering drivers' safety programs in schools and hosted a radio show on 90.1 Happy FM, Victor Harbor. His unwavering commitment to service continued to inspire those around him. On behalf of the government, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Jackie, daughter, Sarah, and grandchildren, Ellen and Sam.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:20): Today, I rise on behalf of the opposition to honour and pay tribute to the life and extraordinary legacy of Stewart Leggett, former Liberal member for Hanson, who served in this state's House of Assembly from 1993 to 1997. Stewart was a man who gave of himself with humility, with faith, with courage and compassion throughout both his career and life, to his students, his community and to the people of South Australia.

Stewart Leggett was born in Bordertown on 18 December 1944, during a time of great global turmoil. Yet from his earliest days he exhibited a spirit of optimism and determination that would characterise his life's journey. Despite suffering a serious accident that ended his formal schooling during year 10, Stewart's commitment to education never faltered. Through night school he completed his senior studies and embarked on a distinguished teaching career. He taught at Pulteney Grammar and Temple College, rising to the role of vice principal, and later served as principal of the Southern Vales Christian College at Aldinga.

In each role, Stewart brought passion, humour and an unrelenting dedication to the betterment of young lives under his stewardship. His commitment to service extended well beyond the classroom. In 1993, Stewart was elected as the member for Hanson. His election was a source of immense pride for his family and community, and in parliament Stewart was known for his integrity, his compassion and his strength of conviction.

During his time in the House of Assembly he served on the Social Development Committee, dedicating himself to critical issues such as family support, community welfare and the reform of the prison system. Stewart spoke with particular conviction about the need to address drug use and sexual violence within prisons, and not out of political convenience but out of a deep moral responsibility. This was Stewart Leggett, a man guided by principle rather than popularity.

Stewart was also known for the friendships he fostered across political divides. He believed politics should be a contest of ideas, not enmity. He treated his opponents with respect and humanity, building enduring relationships, including with colleagues Joe Scalzi and Mick Atkinson. These friendships endured long after his time in political office. Stewart's Christian faith remained his guiding light throughout his life. Even when he presented a minority report on sensitive matters, he did so without compromising his principles, striving always to contribute to a society grounded in dignity, fairness and compassion.

Following his parliamentary service, Stewart, as was ever his mission, continued to serve his community. He worked as a senior adviser to the Premier and Deputy Premier of South Australia, returned to education as a principal and sat on the Legal Practitioners Conduct Board, advocating for accountability and ethical leadership in public life.

Beyond his professional contributions, Stewart was a man of many talents. In his youth he was an accomplished footballer and tennis player, captaining and coaching the North Adelaide Centrals to a premiership in 1967. He was also a gifted communicator and performer, acting in productions such Oliver! and Noah's Flood and appearing in South Australian Film Corporation productions. Later, he became a much-loved voice on Victor Harbor's 90.1 FM, sharing stories and conversations with sporting legends and community heroes alike.

Yet above all, Stewart's greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His love for his children and his family, and indeed his grandchildren, was palpable, and he spoke often and fondly, particularly, of his grandchildren, Ellen and Sam. Even in his final years, as illness took its toll, Stewart lived with grace, humour and spirit.

Stewart Leggett's life was a rich tapestry of service, of faith, of family and of community. He was a teacher, a preacher, a politician, a performer, a sportsman, a husband, a father, a grandfather and, above all, a man of deep heart and unwavering spirit.

On behalf of the Liberal Party and the opposition in the Legislative Council, I extend our deepest sympathies to Stewart's beloved wife, Jackie, his daughter, Sarah, his grandchildren, Ellen and Sam, and his close friends. His contribution to South Australia as an educator, as a member of parliament and as a community leader will endure. Stuart touched countless lives, and his legacy will live on. May he rest in peace. Vale Stewart Leggett.

The PRESIDENT: I ask honourable members to stand in their places and carry the motion in silence.

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.

Sitting suspended from 14:26 to 14:34.