HANSARD
SITTING CALENDAR
SEARCH
LIVE BROADCAST
Hansard Dynamic Subject Index
House of Assembly - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-10-14 Daily Xml
Contents
Xml

Condolence

Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO

The Hon. P.B. MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Premier, Minister for Defence and Space Industries) (14:04): By leave, I move:

That the House of Assembly expresses its deep regret at the death of the Hon. Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO, former Governor of this state, and places on record its appreciation of his distinguished service to the state and that, as a mark of respect to his memory, the sitting of the house be suspended until the ringing of the bells.

I stand with the sad duty of acknowledging in the house the passing of the former Governor of South Australia, Sir Eric Neal AC CVO, who passed away on Tuesday 2 September. Sir Eric celebrated his 101st birthday in June, and it speaks volumes about the way that he spent his time on this earth that this extraordinary milestone with and of itself was possibly the least significant of his achievements.

Eric Neal was born in 1924, the first of four children to James and May Neal. In 1927, his working-class family emigrated from London, first settling in Brompton—great choice—and then Largs Bay, as his father pursued fresh opportunities in the nation's South Australian gas industry.

Education at the local public school and the South Australian School of Mines followed before Sir Eric followed his father's example and took an engineering role at the Broken Hill Gas Company. From here, his career in our resource sector was one of success followed by ever-greater success, ascending through evermore senior management roles to eventually serve for 14 years as the CEO of Boral. It was in this role that he cemented his reputation as a tough but courteous businessman who demanded the best of himself and from those around him, attracting board and directorial roles with such heavy-hitters as BHP, Coca Cola Amatil, John Fairfax Holdings (which became Fairfax Media) and Westpac.

Having become a towering figure in Australian business, Sir Eric turned his prestigious talents and unquenchable curiosity to new spheres of public-spirited endeavour. Of all his public achievements, the greatest was his 1996 appointment as the 32nd Governor of the State of South Australia. During his five active years in the role, South Australia benefited greatly from Sir Eric's international reputation and impeccable contacts in every sphere of global commerce. He took part in successful trade missions to Malaysia, Sweden, the US and the Shandong province of China, establishing and maintaining vital connections and creating new trade opportunities for our state.

His governorship concluded in 2001, but Sir Eric was not about to kick back and enjoy the quiet life just because of other 70 year olds doing the same thing. His energetic service to our state continued, including time as Chair of the South Australian Veterans' Advisory Council. Both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial and the ANZAC War Memorial on Kintore Avenue were established under his leadership.

It is impossible to do his achievements and appointments justice without it rambling like a poorly edited Wikipedia page—the list just seems to go on and on. The simple fact that listing off appointments, like Companion of the Order of Australia, recipient of the US Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, a Knight of the Order of St John and the inaugural Patron Emeritus of the Virtual War Memorial Australia, still barely scratch the surface of the full gamut of honours bestowed upon Sir Eric—rightfully—during the course of his lifetime of service. Sir Eric was a polymath, forever driven by his boundless curiosity about the world around him and the people it contains.

The legend goes that upon his 2002 appointment as Chancellor of Flinders University, Sir Eric chose to catch the bus from his North Adelaide home to the campus at Bedford Park, which was an hour-long journey daily each way. When asked if he would not prefer a driver to take him, he simply explained to curious staff and family that the journey made it possible to speak candidly with students in an informal setting, one conducive to the free exchange of information, concerns and ideas which uphold the best practices of higher education in our nation. I think that story captures something of the measure of the man and his style of leadership.

Both Flinders University and Adelaide University have honoured his contribution to South Australia's tertiary sector, the former with the Sir Eric Neal Engineering Building and the latter with the Sir Eric Neal Library at the current University of South Australia campus at Mawson Lakes. Outside of his professional duties, Sir Eric was a keen soccer player with the University of Adelaide, while also being a dedicated fan of AFL, particularly for his home team of Port Adelaide, for whom he was patron in yet another demonstration of his impeccable wisdom.

Sir Eric consistently attributed his success to the foundation of joy and support provided by his long and happy marriage to Lady Thelma Joan Neal, a 72-year partnership that began with a chance meeting at the Adelaide Royal Show and ended with her passing in 2023 at the age of 91. We also remember and honour her today.

Sir Eric was a truly great South Australian. His service to our state will not be forgotten. I offer my condolences to his family—his sons, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren—and to all whose lives were touched by Sir Eric's wisdom, friendship and generosity. One of the more beautiful occasions I have had the privilege of being present at in recent years was the 100th birthday celebration at Government House, which was a state dinner in Sir Eric's name. Watching Sir Eric so comfortably sit at that table and regale some pretty incredible stories, I might say, with confidence but great humility was a real privilege to witness.

Anybody who had the chance to speak candidly with Sir Eric in different contexts could not help but get a sense that the man was a great statesman: thoughtful, eloquent and articulate, but exceptionally humble in the way he went about approaching what was otherwise an extraordinary record of success. In today's day and age, I think Sir Eric's style of leadership represents some of the best traditions of what true leaders look like.

We could all take something from Sir Eric's contribution to our state, but also the way he went about achieving it. To that end, I do want to acknowledge his family being here again today and thank them for their way of celebrating Sir Eric's service to our state in recent weeks. We very much look forward to acknowledging Sir Eric's contribution in other forms for many, many years to come.

The Hon. V.A. TARZIA (Hartley—Leader of the Opposition) (14:12): I also rise to support the condolence motion for Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO. I rise to support the motion and place on record the opposition's deep regret at the passing of Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO, former Governor of South Australia, and our appreciation of a life given to service to industry and to this state.

I was honoured to attend the funeral of the late Sir Eric, along with my parliamentary colleagues, and I have never seen such a fitting send-off. There were bagpipes playing, I think, Highland Cathedral. It was wall-to-wall champions of industry, community, politics, and sport of South Australia and well beyond. It was a fitting tribute for such a giant of South Australia.

Sir Eric's story is the Australian promise, lived out with discipline but also humility. Born in Rotherhithe, London, at just two years of age he moved from the UK to Australia with his family. He was educated at Largs Bay and Hindmarsh public schools before attending Thebarton Technical School. He left school at 16 to work, trained as an engineer at the South Australian School of Mines, completed an apprenticeship at the South Australian Gas Company, and from there built a career that literally took him from factory floors to board tables and, ultimately, all around the world, and also to Government House.

A successful engineering career equipped Sir Eric with the skills and the experience to serve as CEO of Boral for 14 years. Later he would build on that leadership and that experience, and apply it to the board of some of our most significant companies, including BHP, Atlas Copco, Westpac and John Fairfax Limited. Sir Eric was appointed National Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Australia from 1984 to 1992 and an international trustee of the award from 1987 to 1997, which overlapped with his term as Chief Commissioner of the City of Sydney.

He was continually investing in the next generation: think of all the thousands and thousands of award winners who have taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh's award—I did my bronze. It provides so much leadership to future generations. This blend of public and private leadership positioned him well to become South Australia's 32nd governor from 1996 to 2001. He was the first governor from a business background. He was the first to serve in the role from a business background, which is a testament to the calibre of his leadership quality but also his spirit of service. He never confused status with purpose. He simply got on with the work.

He believed leadership should be steady and useful but always close to the people and that was clear from listening to some of the stories at his funeral. This was a man who was revered and loved. On his swearing in, he quoted TheAdvertiser challenge that a governor 'might do good things in a quiet way'. He certainly lived that line.

He brought a business mind to the vice-regal office. He promoted South Australian business and industry. He also helped establish civic institutions that still serve us, and the Governor's Leadership Foundation remains a living part of that legacy, shaping new leaders a quarter of a century on. Former Premier Dean Brown was also at the funeral and, as he recalled, that spirit of leadership was also seen in the small courtesies, the one percenters. After formal dinners, Sir Eric was known to invite the chef into the dining room to thank him before the guests. That was his way of showing that titles meant nothing compared to the respect for people.

After completing his term as Governor, Sir Eric brought the best leadership to his role as Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 to 2010. Beneath these titles, there was clearly a man who never lost the perspective of where he came from and where he started. For him, a defining memory was walking from the Melbourne Club to his first BHP board meeting, and thinking, 'Here's a boy from Largs Bay school now joining the board.' That quiet pride was matched with humour.

After receiving his knighthood, he was told that there were two implications: his wife might pay a little bit more at the butcher and he would get seats quicker in a restaurant. That story says a lot about how he wore honours lightly. At 100, he summed up a century with typical bluntness, 'I woke up this morning and thought: I've made it'. That is what he said. He also said South Australia was hardly recognisable compared with 70 or 80 years ago because he had seen the change: he had helped drive it. He still thought first of this state.

Service for Sir Eric was not a slogan, it was a practice. As Governor, he supported cultural, charitable, educational organisations right across South Australia. In later years, he gave his time to leadership programs and to the wider community through countless patronages, whether it was the Port Adelaide Football Club, freemasonry, you name it. He was recognised with some of the highest honours including Companion of the Order of Australia, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and Knight Bachelor. He wore them with restraint. He measured success not by ceremony but by the good that was done. One example endures: in 1999, at Dean Brown's request, South Australian business leaders gathered at Government House to discuss food relief. Out of that dinner came Foodbank SA, I am told, which today feeds thousands and thousands of people right across our state. That is leadership, leaving a legacy long after the office was vacated.

We remember too the constancy of Lady Neal, his partner in life and in public duty and in the family he cherished. It was great to hear about their nightly ritual of a glass of wine at the end of the night. He once said the secret to longevity was being married for 75 years to a woman devoted to family and lifting stress from his shoulders while he worked. That is love in practice.

Our sincere sympathy goes to his family, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who mourn him today. Sir Eric James Neal gave South Australia a clear example of leadership without theatre. He proved that integrity, competence and quiet action can move a state and a country forward. On behalf of the opposition, I thank him for the decades of service he gave our community, our economy and our institutions. May this house record our gratitude for a life of duty that was well fulfilled, and may he rest in peace.

The Hon. J.K. SZAKACS (Cheltenham—Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (14:19): Today I rise specifically in my capacity as the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to make a few remarks on the enormous contribution that Sir Eric Neal AC has made to the veterans' community.

In 1981, Sir Eric was appointed to a committee to review Australia's higher defence organisation. In 1992, he was awarded a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. In that same year, he was a recipient of the US Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in recognition of his contribution to the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea as Chair of that council that organised commemorative events across Australia.

For his commitment to the defence and veterans' communities in South Australia, Sir Eric was awarded honorary life membership of the Returned and Services League of Australia. He was formerly an honorary Air Commodore of the City of Adelaide Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force and honorary Colonel of the Royal South Australian Regiment. In April 2008, Sir Eric was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Veterans' Advisory Council, where he served until 2016.

The VAC was established to promote the wellbeing of South Australian veterans and provide advice to the South Australian government, and Sir Eric passionately advocated throughout his term for increased recognition of military service and, importantly, for improved medical care for veterans and their families.

In preparation for today's motion, I sought some reflections from a former Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Hon. Martin Hamilton-Smith, who I am so pleased joins us today, given that he worked so closely with Sir Eric during his tenure as the VAC Chair. The Hon. Mr Hamilton-Smith described Sir Eric as 'an absolute old school gentleman who attracted people with his strong values, dignity and decency'. He also noted how vital Sir Eric's guidance had been through a difficult period that included grappling with the local impacts of conflict in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Sir Eric was deeply involved in the planning and influential in securing funding for South Australia's ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk, which commemorates both personnel and those on the home front who served in all Australian conflicts since Federation. The Hon. Mr Hamilton-Smith was also there at the time of the Centenary Memorial Walk being conceived and delivered, and he said that Sir Eric's influence and ability to bring people together was vital in realising that project. It was a complicated one, involving many stakeholders who needed to be aligned to achieve both funding and construction.

I am advised that Sir Eric was an indispensable asset, able to find consensus and win agreement to ensure the project's success. The unveiling of the Memorial Walk on 23 April 2016 saw Sir Eric Neal's term as Chair of the Veterans' Advisory Council conclude after eight years. In retirement, Sir Eric remained a highly respected member and supporter of the vets community. He also took a leading role in the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial and was Patron Emeritus of the Virtual War Memorial Australia.

Along with the hardworking team at Veterans SA and the entire veterans community of South Australia, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Sir Eric's family, including Peter, James, his five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His dedication, his advocacy and distinguished leadership have left an indelible mark on the South Australian veteran community.

Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:23): I rise to make a contribution to the life of the Hon. Sir Eric Neal AC CVO. He was born in Rotherhithe, London, on 3 June 1924, the oldest of four children with three younger sisters. He left school at the age of 16 to enter the workforce, but further advanced his education by studying engineering at the South Australian School of Mines. He pursued an apprenticeship at the South Australian Gas Company, where he became skilled in plumbing and gasfitting. His successful career as an engineer led to him becoming an impressive businessman, which included positions such as Director of BHP, John Fairfax Holdings and AMP, Chairperson of Westpac and Atlas Copco, and a 14-year stint as Chief Executive Officer of Boral.

In 1981, Sir Eric was appointed to a committee to review Australia's Higher Defence Organisation. The following year, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor for his services to Australian industry. In 1988, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for services to commerce and to the community, and in 1992 he was awarded a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

Sir Eric was heavily involved with the veteran community during his life. In 1992, he received the United States Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in recognition of his contribution to mark the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, as Chair of the council that organised commemorative events in Australia. He was awarded honorary life membership of the Returned and Services League of Australia for his commitment to the defence and veteran communities in South Australia. Sir Eric was also an Honorary Air Commodore of the City of Adelaide Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force, and Honorary Colonel of the Royal South Australia Regiment while he served as Governor of South Australia from 1996 to 2001.

In April 2008, Sir Eric was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Veterans' Advisory Council, which was established to promote the wellbeing of South Australian veterans and provide advice to the state government. During his time as Chair of the VAC, Sir Eric passionately advocated for increased recognition of military service and improved medical care for veterans and their families. He was deeply involved in the planning of, and was pivotal in securing funding for, South Australia's ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk. He also took a leading role in the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial, and was Patron Emeritus of the Virtual War Memorial Australia.

Sir Eric's term as Chair of the Veterans' Advisory Council concluded after eight years, on 23 April 2015. Fittingly, it coincided with the unveiling of the Memorial Walk, which he was so heavily involved with. Sir Eric remained a highly respected member of the veteran community in his final years, with his involvement leaving an enduring mark. To his family, I say thank you. Vale to the Hon. Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO.

The Hon. G.G. BROCK (Stuart) (14:27): I also rise briefly to speak on this condolence motion brought by the Premier. Many people in this chamber have spoken very eloquently about Sir Eric, but I want to talk about the Sir Eric with whom I came into contact personally on a couple of occasions. It was as a councillor on the Port Pirie Regional Council that I first had the opportunity when, in 2001, he came up for the unveiling and dedication of the memorial to the Italian Molfetta fishermen and paid tribute there.

As a councillor, I was not aware of all the high-ranking officials and the high degree of protocol for the Governor of South Australia. However, on that occasion Sir Eric was absolutely fantastic. He came up in the regal car and did the ceremony, but then I looked around and he was mingling with the general public. He was mingling with the children. He was mingling with everybody. I did not see that as the position or the duty of the Governor of our state, but he was a man who was absolutely down to earth. He came and did the official opening, the dedication, the ceremony and the unveiling of the plaque, but he wanted to talk to the general public.

From another perspective, at the last election when I became Minister for Veterans' Affairs one of the things I wanted to do was to actually understand more about veterans' affairs, as is the duty of a minister. I was listening to all the advice that was given to me as an Independent coming in, not having the privilege of all the understanding and people telling me what should be done, and I was trying to understand how the Minister for Veterans' Affairs got advice from the relevant people, other than Veterans SA and the advisers.

Rob Manton, who was a member of Veterans SA, said to me, 'Why don't we go and have a talk to the inaugural Chair of Veterans' Advisory Council.' With all due respect, being a bit ignorant, I said, 'Who is that?' Robert said, 'Sir Eric Neal.' I said, 'Excuse me, we just can't go and speak to Sir Eric Neal about some advice.' He said, 'Look, I will make the arrangements,' so the arrangements were made and we went to the premises, the units. We took little gift for Lady Joan. Basically, we came in, and as we opened the door the first greeting from Sir Eric was, 'Good evening, minister.' I said, 'My name's Geoff.' He said, 'My name's Eric', so it started off very relaxing. We sat down, and Lady Joan was very supportive and very hospitable.

Before going there—I am a very proud Crows supporter since the inception of the Crows—I was advised very strongly that when I was having a discussion with Sir Eric I was to keep two words out of the conversation. Those two words were 'the showdown'. Previous to that, Port Power and the Crows played, and from memory on the last kick of the day the Crows won. I was not aware at that stage that David Koch, the Chairman of Port Adelaide, is the nephew of Sir Eric, so I kept it very quiet, very professional. On leaving, we were going past, and we had the formalities. I thanked Sir Eric very much regarding his hospitality. I thanked Lady Joan for her hospitality. Lady Joan said to me, 'Minister, you have done well tonight.' I said, 'And why is that?' 'You did not mentioned those two words: the showdown.'

However, I had the opportunity to understand and get to know Sir Eric on different occasions. We were at different events and he would acknowledge me. When he was in his later years, I would sit with him at events and just talk as general people.

As the Leader of the Opposition has indicated, I had the great privilege, as did other members in the chamber here, to attend Sir Eric's funeral. It was a funeral of love and respect that could not have been a better acknowledgement of not only Sir Eric's life but also Lady Joan's. At the close, Scottish pipers went through. My late wife being Scottish, it was very emotional for me and brought memories back, but that was a very fitting finale for the funeral. I stand to be corrected, but I think it might have been a great grandson there. His comments were, 'Hello, grandpa.' As the procession was going past he said, 'I will see you later, grandpa.' To me, that was the respect and the admiration that Sir Eric had for all of his family and the admiration from all of the family to Sir Eric and Lady Joan.

My condolences go to the whole family. I will remember very, very fondly for all of my days my association with not only Lady Joan but Sir Eric for the advice that he gave me, and I will treasure that forever. Rest in peace, Sir Eric.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta) (14:33): I offer a few reflections of my own but also those of my wife, Trudi-Ann Mercurio, who very much appreciated the modest engagements that she, too, had with Sir Eric, and former premiers Marshall and Brown, so I will move through my own reflections as quickly as I can.

Sir Eric Neal, as the Chancellor of Flinders University, presented my wife with both of her undergraduate bachelor's degrees, her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. I was reflecting on the Premier's comments earlier and the fact that all the students at Flinders University during his time knew who their chancellor was. I reflect on my own time. I might have known who the chancellor of my university was—I was involved in student politics—but I very much doubt that many did. But Sir Eric was a live and central presence in the student life at Flinders University as well as making a significant contribution to the organisation of Flinders and the achievements that it has now.

The decision to invest in their engineering faculty, for example, was at the direct inspiration of Sir Eric and the extraordinary steps forward that have been taken over the last two and a half decades by Flinders University in areas such as engineering, science research, cancer research and some of these other areas.

I know he was proud of them, because up until last year and the year before I had the extraordinary privilege of being able to sit with him at those Flinders University events and the reflection that he still had on them was very dear to his heart. The fact that he was still attending these events at the age of 98 and 99 I think is testimony to his lifelong service and commitment to the things he was so passionate about.

Trudi was also very, very fond of Sir Eric for the other impact he had in her life as patron of Scouts SA. I think when he was the Governor, he also presented her with her Queen's Scout Award. These three presentations made a mark in her life and she very much enjoyed when we then met Sir Eric. I had seen him before, but I had not met him before. We went to a History Trust event and Trudi had the opportunity to share her reflections. I am grateful to him, as we are, for the real interest he took in how Flinders University and the scouting movement had impacted her life.

That event, organised by the History Trust, which was under my portfolio responsibilities at the time, was a special event organised by Julian Stefani, along with Elizabeth Ho and Greg Mackie, to commemorate the establishment of Settlement Square. Many people may have walked on it or been to events there. It is next to the Migration Museum, where many South Australians have celebrated their migrant heritage by purchasing a brick, fundraising for the History Trust and marking on those bricks the names of people who have migrated to South Australia, along with the dates of their journey.

It is an extraordinary market. It was established with the support of former Governor Hieu Van Le and Lan Le and former Governor Sir Eric Neal and Lady Joan. My recollection is that the four of them were the first four bricks purchased and they are proud in the centre of Settlement Square. Trudi and I were very proud to purchase four bricks to conclude that journey among the last 10 for our parents who had a similar migrant journey. The fact that well into his late 90s Sir Eric still had a real interest in that project and pride in the work of the Migration Museum and his migrant story I think is another example of how he represents the best of South Australia. Commemorating those journeys is embodying the best of our state.

The last time I met with and had the opportunity to talk to Sir Eric was at another organisation which was dear to his heart and which he invested his own money and time in. At the age of 99, just weeks prior to his 100th birthday, he was at the presentation of the Playford Trust award scholarships, including the one that he had sponsored and was there in his name.

My recollection is that he really wanted to meet the young person that had won this scholarship and get a sense of the project that he would be undertaking with his studies and how that would help South Australia in the future, which of course is at the heart of what the Playford Trust does, ensuring that the best and brightest of our young people can find projects and studies that will be in the state's interests and pursue them. Sir Eric, at nearly 100 years old, was still investing his time and I suspect that the financial support was welcome. I imagine the Playford Trust might have potentially received a grant from the government and may yet ask for a grant from the government in the years ahead to do that in Sir Eric's name. The fact that he was willing to give his time and talk to this young person made perhaps even a greater contribution.

Steven Marshall, on hearing of Sir Eric's passing and understanding that this parliament would be offering a motion, asked me to pass on his condolences as well. He wrote:

Sir Eric Neal will be remembered as one of South Australia's most distinguished citizens—a man who combined an extraordinary career in business with a deep sense of public duty and service. As Governor of South Australia, he brought wisdom, integrity and dignity to the role, earning the admiration of all who had the privilege to work with him. Beyond his official duties, Sir Eric was recognised as a thoroughly decent, highly respected Australian whose contribution to our state and nation was profound and enduring.

It was a great privilege to join in the celebration of Sir Eric's 100th birthday last year, an occasion that reflected the immense respect and affection he inspired. As a former Minister for Veterans Affairs, I particularly valued his steadfast support for our veterans.

Sir Eric understood and acknowledged the service and sacrifice of those who wore our nation's uniform, and he worked tirelessly to ensure they were honoured and supported in South Australia. His legacy will endure in the countless lives he touched, and we mourn his passing with gratitude for all that he gave to our state and country.

Dean Brown, I knew, was very close to Sir Eric. Indeed, his time as Premier had significant overlap, and his time as minister had overlap, with Sir Eric's time as Governor. Dean offered me a very short reflection, and he also shared a slightly longer speech. I was paying attention as the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition and other members spoke, and it is an extraordinary thing: I did not want to overly repeat things that other people have said, but this two-page speech that Dean gave me has very little that overlaps with the other things that have been said.

In 101 years you have a lot of time, but the idea that somebody would contribute so much through their life to so many very different areas is significant, so I hope that you will bear with me for three minutes more while I read Dean Brown's words. This is from a speech he gave at the AICD, where Sir Eric and Lady Neal were honoured for their contributions to that organisation:

Few people have transcended both the corporate and community spheres to the extent that Sir Eric Neal has. Following Sir Eric's corporate achievements…he commenced an outstanding contribution to the South Australian community.

On 22 July 1996 he was invested Governor of South Australia, and Sir Eric and Lady Joan embraced South Australians with youthful enthusiasm. It was a unique appointment as he was the first businessman appointed Governor of any Australian State. This meant an immediate introduction of national and international business leaders to South Australia.

I think the Premier may have mentioned this:

The new managing director of BHP stayed at Government House when he visited. The President of the World Bank visited Adelaide on several occasions to stay with Sir Eric.

As the State's economy expanded with new investment and export opportunities Government House became a familiar venue for business leaders from around the world. They could discuss matters with a common understanding.

Supported with charm and an open friendly welcome from Lady Joan, the Governor greeted thousands of South Australians at Government House and at hundreds of events and visits across the State. They had the ability to care for people and to make people feel that they mattered. After both formal and informal dinners at Government House, the Chef—

as the Leader of the Opposition, I think, said—

would be invited by Sir Eric into the dining room and formally thanked in front of the guests. He dealt with all people in the same courteous manner.

In our weekly Executive Council meetings when the Governor would meet formally with the Premier and Ministers, he strove to learn about the activities of Government and the State, while maintaining the independence of his role as Governor.

Sir Eric had an unprecedented desire to achieve things. Let me give you just three examples.

In late 1996 the State Government supported a joint venture with Business SA to establish Business Vision 2010. A think tank of industrial leaders, academics, and key community groups examined how to make South Australia a better place in which to:

live

visit

do business, and

invest

Sir Eric attended many of the Taskforce meetings. One of the key initiatives arising from the Taskforce was the Governor's Leadership Program, which Sir Eric lead. It continues today and has equipped hundreds of future business, academic and community people with leadership skills. Even today—

at this stage, two or three years ago—

Sir Eric [continued as] Deputy Patron.

In 1999…Sir Eric [hosted] a dinner of businesses associated with the food industry…Out of that dinner support was enlisted to get [Foodbank SA] successfully established.

We know what its contribution still is today.

In 1998, the Health Ministers across Australia decided to form the first national taskforce to promote organ donations. As Governor, Sir Eric agreed to chair and host that national taskforce. Today we are seeing the benefits as organ donation rates continue to increase.

Numerous similar stories could be—

indeed, have been—

repeated. He travelled overseas to successfully lobby for SA to host the World Police and Fireman Games.

Shortly after stepping down as Governor in 2001, Sir Eric Neal became Chancellor of Flinders University for 8 years. In that role he brought a strong appreciation of the importance of international relations as he travelled through Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. He personally conferred degrees on about 20,000 students at graduation ceremonies.

His clear analytical thinking has been applied to numerous tasks, such as chairing the Road Safety Advisory Council and the Veterans Advisory Council. Many community organisations have benefited from Sir Eric and Lady Joan being their Patrons…

But most importantly he is a down to earth, caring friend to many South Australians…

Throughout all of this Lady Joan stood alongside Sir Eric and provided him moral support and a larger than life partner. She had her passions such as Port Power, boating, and outbidding others at charitable auctions. [We recognise her too] for that enormous vitality and energy.

[Now we] celebrate the extraordinary contribution of Sir Eric Neal.

I often think that one of the sad things about funerals is that the person we are mourning does not get the opportunity to hear the nice things that people have to say about them. I am very pleased that Sir Eric was present to hear what Dean Brown had to say about him on that day. I am very privileged to have met him on perhaps half a dozen occasions. The extraordinary impact he had on South Australia and many, many tens of thousands of South Australians will not be forgotten. To his family from my family, we wish you well and we express our sincere condolences.

The SPEAKER: Could members, and guests in the galleries, please rise so that the motion can be carried in the customary manner.

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.

Sitting suspended from 14:45 to 14:56.

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS
MEMBERS
GET INVOLVED
ABOUT PARLIAMENT
VISIT
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
CONTACT