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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-12-03 Daily Xml
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Miller, Mr Alan

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:16): It was with great sadness that I read an email from Luke Heffernan of the passing of Alan Charles Miller. Born in November 86 years ago, Alan passed away on 27 November this year at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he had been for some time, unfortunately, after a long illness. The much-loved husband of Beryl Miller and loved and loving father of Ralph, Peter (deceased), Diane and Paul, he was the treasured 'poppy' of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I have been proud to know Alan and Beryl through the Modbury Hospital Local Action Group since before my election in 1997. These two wonderful people appeared and became an integral part of MHLAG, as we lovingly called the group, attending every meeting and activity in our struggle to keep public health in public hands. I soon came to know them well and admire their commitment, zeal and dedication to the workers of the world.

Alan was a journalist by profession and spent his life communicating important messages. A joint winner of the Platon Greek May Day Award and the South Australian May Day Committee spanner, Alan and Beryl were permanent fixtures at factory gates, most particularly standing shoulder to shoulder with Holden workers. When looking through my files to prepare to speak today, I happened upon an article from 2005 talking about car workers facing the sack—one of the many articles and papers Alan distributed in solidarity with car workers.

But it was not only car workers who benefited from the support of Beryl and Alan's solidarity, for I cannot remember a rally, march or protest over the past 20 years where Beryl and Alan were not front and centre and contributing in every way possible—the great MUA dispute of 1998 at Port Adelaide, the anti-war marches, the anti-ETSA privatisation gatherings, just to name a few of them.

In relation to the recent federal announcement regarding cuts to the national broadcaster, the ABC, Alan would be working to make sure that everyone knew that 37 workers will lose their jobs here in Adelaide, which will see the end of TV production in South Australia. Many of these workers will lose their jobs before Christmas. This will have a major impact on the industry, seeing the end of the 7.30 program locally and losing a distinctly South Australian voice and our stories. It will also close opportunities for young people to become active in this industry.

Other staff are being pitted against each other in a Hunger Games style process to fight for their jobs. This is an appalling situation for these workers, particularly as some of them have worked for the ABC for well over 20 years. The effect of this terrible situation is putting workers under great stress. This situation is something the federal government cannot walk away from, as it is in part a direct result of the sorts of policies Alan spent his life opposing. Alan's quietly determined approach and knowledge of national and international politics and policies meant that his views were well expressed as well as well informed.

On a personal level, he was always encouraging of my endeavours and attempts to champion public ownership of essential services, none more so than those provided by the Modbury Hospital. It was certainly a proud moment to share with Beryl and Alan, as well as other members of the Modbury Hospital Local Action Group, such as Ken Case, Sue Daley and June Chaney—all dear friends of Beryl and Alan—when the management of the hospital came back into government hands. Today, we see now the benefits of a more than $18 million investment in the accident and emergency area and the ground-floor services and the now operational rehab ward, which the minister spoke about today in question time. These are the sorts of results that Alan spent his life working to achieve.

Alan's many comrades will rally for his funeral service on Wednesday next, 10 December, in the Acacia Chapel at Enfield Memorial Park. His life will be remembered and celebrated by those who stood shoulder to shoulder with him on many of the occasions I have talked about today. South Australia and the workers of this state will all remember people like Alan for many years to come. We thank him for his service to workers in South Australia.

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