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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
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Parliamentary Procedure

BLOWES, MR T.R., DEATH

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:18): I seek leave to enable the Clerk of the Legislative Council to make a statement.

Leave granted.

The CLERK: I have known Trevor since his first days in the parliament when he commenced employment in the Parliamentary Library as a library assistant in 1975. He came to work for us in the Legislative Council in November 1982 as a parliamentary officer. In 1988, he was promoted to Clerk Assistant, and in this role he was secretary to several select committees, one of which was the committee on the Aboriginal Health Organisation.

It was whilst visiting Ernabella that a fight broke out between local dogs and those of us visiting from another community. Two women Hansard reporters, Annemarie and Maureen, ended up climbing on top of a table in a somewhat terrified state as pandemonium broke out. Trevor, in his usual calm and collected style, restored order and ensured the safety of all concerned. Maybe that is why Trevor had a love/hate relationship with dogs.

For some years after the select committee had reported, Trevor was constantly being contacted by a persistent witness, who continued to peruse evidence in search of answers to assist him in a prolonged legal battle. Again, Trevor was always accommodating. At this stage, Clive Mertin was the Clerk and I was the Deputy Clerk. On Clive's retirement—in 1993—Trevor assumed the position of Deputy Clerk and Usher of the Black Rod.

Trevor was a consummate professional. He was our resident real estate adviser, travel expert and fashion guru. My husband always used to refer to Trevor and Chris as the 'Einstein factor' as many a time I would come home talking about real estate, etc., and saying, 'Trevor said this or Chris said that.' In fact, it has been said that Adelaide's real estate market will never be the same without Trevor.

We often called Trevor Mr Country Road. In later years he preferred Hugo Boss. He was always immaculately dressed. On the other hand, he had the audacity to refer to one of my outfits as looking like something worn by the cruise director on the Love Boat. I could never wear that outfit after that.

I recall an occasion when Trevor was driving me to work one morning, before an early deadlock conference. We had just pulled up in front of The Advertiser building in King William Street when there was an almighty crash as another vehicle slammed into the rear of our car. In fact, it was the only time I ever heard Trevor swear. The next minute we could hear the sound of an ambulance and I think both of us hoped it was not meant for us. Unfortunately, it was. There we were, in the middle of King William Street, in our finest chamber attire with the ambulance officers examining us and wanting to take us to hospital. We declined but, instead, to pacify them, we had to find a doctor close to Parliament House. Trevor gave up sitting in the waiting room and returned to work where, I understand, he bumped into the Hon. Rob Lucas who remarked on Trevor's dishevelled appearance, unaccustomed as he was to seeing Trevor in such a state and quite flustered.

Trevor began travelling at an early age. He never took photographs but rather came in one day with a simply massive collection of picture postcards that he had become very adept at sampling from the rotating stands on kerbsides in Europe. However, there was one place which Trevor would never revisit, and that was the Isle of Capri where he had hired a scooter and, somehow, ran it off the road and down an embankment. He left the bike, left the island, never to return—a hunted man.

Speaking of Capri, Trevor had another such experience when test driving his new red convertible Ford Capri down the Coorong. A gust of wind took him off the road into the Coorong, taking with him a barbed wire fence. The car was never the same after that. In later times, Trevor was always very envious when Peter would ring from the Qantas lounge during overseas trips. Indeed, the highlight of Trevor's many trips were the Qantas lounges.

Trevor's foray into the real estate world had an interesting start. He had a problem with a leaking roof on his townhouse at Glenelg, which he had placed on the market. Trevor was at work when the real estate salesperson took some interested buyers into his townhouse. They opened the front door to be greeted by a bucket of rainwater coming through the ceiling. I think that was one sale which did not eventuate.

Trevor was not known for his culinary skills. He gave a dinner party at his new home but was not used to the state-of-the-art oven. The chicken never did cook and his dinner guests were not too impressed with the long wait and what was eventually served up to them—chicken tartare. Consequently, all Trevor's houses usually had virtually new ovens as he decided that eating out was the way to go.

Trevor was also a master of the disappearing act: now you see him, now you don't. I was always amazed at how he would go to functions at Parliament House, put in an appearance and, somehow, just disappear; it was just incredible. Trevor was never one for a party. He was a very private person. He would always hope that we would forget his birthday. However, he promised us a big event for his 40th when he was going to organise a veritable feast. We kept on saying that were going to invite the whole building. The day arrived and, suddenly, we became aware that he had taken us seriously, and we scrambled to invite as many staff as we could find.

As the Usher of the Black Rod, Trevor always looked the part. On opening day you would see Trevor with young cadets, ordering them around as to their duties, just like the Pied Piper. He looked truly grand. I recall one opening when the then governor had been told by Trevor to await his return to Centre Hall, after he had announced Her Excellency. However, Dame Roma followed him immediately and, as I watched Trevor about to enter the chamber to make the announcement, he suddenly reversed, and took control of the situation by indicating, with hand raised to Her Excellency, to go back. Indeed, it was quite a theatrical moment.

One bit of philosophy that Trevor imparted to me in dealing with difficult people was: 'It's like training a pet—pain and reward, pain and reward!', he would say. Quite often I would use the expression 'Every Joe Blow'. He would retort, 'Don't take my name in vain.' Trevor was always calm, and I can say that it was only once that I heard of Trevor displaying anger: when a member's staffer ignored a safety direction. In fact, I used to get cross because Trevor would never get cross.

On Sunday night, I spoke to Trevor for the last time. He was in considerable pain but he managed to tell me how we were a great team. As I left, I could not help but notice how Trevor opened his eyes so wide, as they had almost been shut, and he transfixed his gaze on me, as if he was capturing my face to memory, and he gave me a wave, forever the gentleman. As a friend said, he was even thanking all the medical staff, even when they gave him only bad news. Trevor had always held onto the hope that he would be returning to the Legislative Council. That is why he never wanted us to say otherwise. Incredibly, he was still thinking that way almost to the end.

Trevor, we had so many interesting times. You were a very private person. You were always the perfect gentleman and you were always there—a wonderful deputy on whom I could always rely. As you said to me, we were a team.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (14:27): I move:

That the Legislative Council expresses its deep regret at the untimely passing of Trevor Blowes, the Deputy Clerk and Usher of the Black Rod of the Legislative Council, and places on record its appreciation of his meritorious public service and, as a mark of respect to his memory, the sitting of the council be suspended until the ringing of the bells.

It was with great shock and sadness that we learnt that Trevor Blowes passed away at the weekend after a long battle with illness at the much too young age of just 56. It was a shock because Trevor, as the intensely private and modest person that he was, did not wish any fuss to be made and, as the Clerk has just pointed out to us, most of us were not aware of how ill Trevor really was until just recently.

He began his long association with this parliament almost 33 years ago as an assistant in the Parliamentary Library. In November 1982, he transferred from the Parliamentary Library to take up a career in the Legislative Council as a Parliamentary Officer. Six years later, Trevor became Clerk Assistant of the Legislative Council and then, 15 years ago, in January 1993, Trevor capped his parliamentary career by assuming the important role of Deputy Clerk and Usher of the Black Rod, taking up that position from Jan Davis on her promotion to Clerk of the Legislative Council.

Trevor has served this place with distinction and contributed to the smooth functioning of the Legislative Council through his work as secretary to a number of select committees and, indeed, the list of those committees brings back memories, with the committees he contributed to including subjects such as Marineland and Ash Wednesday. Trevor was also Secretary of the Statutory Officers Committee from its inception.

When thinking of Trevor, a number of words come to mind—decency, efficiency, unflappability, calm and collected. He was also a private, reserved and modest person for whom everyone in this chamber had the greatest respect. As Jan has just mentioned, Trevor moved up into the Deputy Clerk's position when Clive Mertin retired, and it is interesting to note a real contrast of personalities involved there. For those of us who have been around long enough to know Clive Mertin and how he could get quite caught up in debate in this chamber, one could never imagine that happening with Trevor Blowes.

All I can say is that it was a great pleasure to have worked in this place with Trevor Blowes for nearly 13 years, in my case, and I am sure that it has been longer for other members. It was a great pleasure to have worked with him and, on behalf of all members on this side of the Legislative Council, I extend my condolences to Trevor's family and friends.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (14:30): I rise to add my comments to those previously made and to express my appreciation for the Clerk's contribution, in particular, which gave us a different insight into Trevor Blowes, whom we knew as a professional and as someone who adorned himself impeccably sartorially. Many of us would never have known that he was the tender age of 56; in fact, yesterday I commented that I did not think he had even reached 50, so one would never say that he had let himself go in any way. He commenced service in the parliament 33 years ago, and one would not have thought that, having worked with him in the corridors. He had some form of essence of youth. Unfortunately, he was cut down in his prime.

I note that 15 years ago, on 14 January 1993, he rose to the position of Deputy Clerk and Usher of the Black Rod and served on a number of select committees. He was indeed a very valuable part of this chamber and assisted many of us, particularly when we were new to this place, in understanding our roles and duties, when we should be on our feet and what we should say at particular points. He was the consummate professional, and our condolences go to his family and friends.

The Hon. SANDRA KANCK (14:32): It was a shock to learn of Trevor's death. We were told at the beginning of the year that he had pneumonia and that there had been some complications, but we were constantly told that he was getting better, and we anticipated that he would be back when parliament resumed in September. I think that most of us were very much caught off guard when the news came yesterday.

I contacted some other people who had known him in the past. My former colleague Ian Gilfillan asked that I put on record his tribute to him. He described him as 'a person beloved by all who knew him. His gentleness, humility and yet firm efficiency were hallmarks stamped in my memory of a very dear man. It was a privilege to know him.'

I also spoke to Pat Macaskill, who was on the Democrat staff for many years. The words she used to describe Trevor were that he was a good man, and she underlined that word 'good'. You could hear it in her voice that she was underlining that word—and, yes, he was a good man. The other thing Pat reminded me of was that this man had a sense of adventure. We did not know much about Trevor personally, but Jan reminded us about his trip to the Isle of Capri, and Pat reminded me of a trip he had taken down the Amazon, which is something most of us would never consider.

He was a man who was passionate about the Parklands. He very rarely revealed his own political view on anything but, being a member of the Parklands Preservation Association, that was one thing I was aware of: he was passionate about protecting the Parklands from development.

He had only good things to say about other people. From time to time, on the various select committees I have been a member of, he might make an observation about something that was being done inside the committee he did not particularly like, but he never made comments that disapproved of the person: he only ever disapproved of the action.

He was one of those very rare people who did not gossip about other people. As I say, he had only good things to say: if there was something bad to be said, that was for other people to say, but it was not for Trevor. He was highly moral. He did not gossip, and that is such a rare thing in a human being.

There are 22 of us in this chamber, and we have condolence motions from time to time. Many of them I do not speak on but, in the case of someone like Trevor, I really want to speak and there are a whole lot of people who cannot speak. I look around the chamber at the people in the galleries today, and we have representatives from all around this parliament, not just the 22 MPs here, and that says an enormous amount about the regard in which Trevor was held. The one word that I have to describe Trevor is 'beautiful'. He was a beautiful person to look at and he was beautiful in his nature, and I express, on behalf of my party, condolences to all whom he loved and all who loved him.

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:35): I had not realised, until the Clerk spoke, that Trevor was working here in Parliament House while I was still at school. He has certainly been an important part of this place for a very long time. It actually took me some little while to work out (even though I was introduced to him as Trevor) that he was not Rod because that is what it said on his door. I think, more than once in the first couple of weeks, I accidentally referred to him as Rod. He did not take it the wrong way.

It has been said before that Trevor is a great support to members when they are new. Being the first person from my party here, I did not have other colleagues who could explain to me how things worked, so that load fell very much on Trevor and on Jan. In those early days, there was a path worn through the carpet from my little office up to Trevor to ask him how things worked and the right procedures to follow in different circumstances.

Trevor was enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and experience of this place with a new member, and it seemed that he almost went out of his way to help find little things to make life better, whether it was a bit of furniture that we needed or a loose bit of equipment that was floating around the parliament somewhere that a new member might be able to use.

I even remember after having made a first speech in this place—and I think I spent a little bit of time talking about public transport—that he appeared in my office one day with a print which he had scavenged from the archives somewhere of a steam train at Port Pirie, and he thought I was so interested in trains and public transport that I must want to have this in my office. It has had pride of place for two years, and I am a little bit ashamed, I guess, that I asked the staff the other day whether maybe I could have a swap for a different painting, but I have asked the staff if they can rehang that painting outside my office in the corridor. That will forever be Trevor's painting of the old steam train at Port Pirie.

I found, in my dealings with Trevor, that he was always incredibly polite, always patient and—a word that the minister used before—unflappable. It seemed that there was nothing that you could put to him that had him in a tizz. He was the consummate professional. I was interested to hear from the Clerk that he never took photos on his trips. I had the good fortune to go to Westminster not long ago, and I took a photo just for Trevor, and I thought sometime I would get round to giving it to him. It was a photo taken at Westminster of Black Rod's Garden and a little sign pointing to it.

Trevor, as I say, was a huge support for us and we will miss him greatly. I speak for myself but also on behalf of Cate and Craig in my office who wanted their views known. We will certainly miss Trevor.

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (14:38): I also rise to speak about Mr Trevor Blowes. In my short time in this place, Trevor was easily identified as a genuine and caring person who would always go above and beyond the call of duty to be of assistance. He was never too busy and he was always available to have a chat.

Trevor was a man who had a presence, and he was noticed in a crowded room. He once commented to me that it was because he was so tall and lanky, but it was much more than that, as we all know. Trevor had an air about him. He was a man who literally oozed warmth, calm and dignity. He had a smile that reassured and his crystal blue eyes were truly the window to his soul. Like the Hon. Mark Parnell, Trevor was the first person that I had contact with in this place. He saw that I was overwhelmed and in shock. He spent at least an hour with me and then took me on a personal tour of Parliament House and filled me in on the history of the Legislative Council. To some that may seem a small thing, but to me it was an act of random kindness, and I see it as a genuine attempt to put me at ease and to help me assimilate to what was a very different world.

Trevor reassured me that I had an opportunity to carry out an important job. He told me that there would be times when I would doubt myself, and that self-doubt would be my biggest enemy in this place. He advised me to stay focused and committed and he told me his door would always be open, and it always was.

Trevor took his responsibilities in this place very seriously. He conducted himself professionally, and his commitment, efficiency and pride in his position was obvious to all. I was pleased when I learnt that Trevor was to be the secretary for the Families SA inquiry. I felt confident that he would handle inquiries from distressed and traumatised members of the public with kindness, compassion and empathy, and with the gentleness that was Trevor Blowes.

Trevor also had a way with children. I remember bringing my 3½ year old son in here when I first came to this place. It was an attempt to try to explain that our lives were about to change significantly, but at 3½ he really was not getting it. Trevor took Tyrone under his wing and explained that mummy had a big job to do now and that I would be able to help many people, and he added that he should be very proud of his mum.

Trevor then dressed in his robe and wig and showed Tyrone the black rod. He told him a story about 'that shiny stick'. On the day of proroguing my son insisted on wearing a black suit and tie and had to have his hair cut just like the Black Rod. Also, when we sit now, Tyrone's first question to me on a Monday night is, 'Did the Black Rod knock on the door with the stick?'

I have a very brief poem that I would like to read. It was sent to me when my daughter died and I found it quite consoling. It reads as follows:

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard His call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

to laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found such peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joy.

Perhaps my time has seemed all too brief.

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and share with me.

God wanted me now; He set me free.

I join with all members of this place in passing on my sincere condolences to Trevor's partner and family and hope that they are able to find some comfort in the words that have been spoken here today.

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Gambling, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (14:43): I was very saddened to learn of Trevor's illness and pain and was shocked yesterday, like everybody else, to learn that he had died, because earlier, as was mentioned, we understood that he had some complications arising from pneumonia. Trevor was a man of class and style; I think we would describe him that way. He had an imposing presence and he was truly a gentleman. He was always helpful and obliging to everybody when asked for advice.

Trevor was secretary of several select committees that I served on. He was always professional and accommodating and was always very considered and very calm in his manner. He was somebody who I think will be very sorely missed in this place. He was very much a well respected member of the staff of parliament. I also acknowledge his public service to the people of South Australia and this parliament. My condolences to his family and his very many friends.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy) (14:44): I rise to offer my sincere condolences following the passing of Trevor Blowes, Deputy Clerk and Usher of the Black Rod. I will always remember Trevor as a man who did not take a single second of life for granted. He was, indeed, a passionate traveller and adventurer, and he truly understood the meaning of 'global village'. Listening to the stories of his travels I have to say that I was always a bit jealous and envious. In fact I wondered whether there was some place he had not visited, and was surprised and pleased to hear that there was at least one, such was the extent of his passion for experiencing different parts of the world and his great sense of adventure.

Trevor was so much more than just a member of staff here at Parliament House. He was a man who actually personified its traditions; he held them dear and discharged his duties with the utmost professionalism and a great deal of personal dignity. The sight of Trevor in his white gloves and regal robes will always remain in my mind; it may have impressed a three-year-old, and it still impresses me. It was indeed a truly regal and imposing sight.

Just as imposing was his wicked sense of humour, which I and many others enjoyed on numerous occasions. It provided that very human side of a person who held such a regal position, and I know that many times we had to stifle laughter in the recess behind the President's chair after Trevor had shared one of his brilliant and humorous insights or remarks.

Just as impressive was the passion he showed for his work. It did not matter whether you were a minister, a backbencher, a member of the government, an opposition member or an Independent; his door was always open, and it was open to everyone. He treated everyone with the same degree of respect and professionalism, another reason all of us enjoyed working with him so much.

I would also like to pass on to Trevor's friends and family my sincere condolences, and hope that future generations of parliamentarians and staff can learn from the passion of his work and life. He has left a lasting legacy in terms of the dignity of the South Australian parliament and the contribution he made to that but, in particular, to the dignity of the Legislative Council.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (14:48): On behalf of Family First, I, too, rise to support the motion and express sincere condolences to Trevor's family and friends. It is very sad indeed.

When I think of Trevor I think of someone who was a consummate professional and an absolute gentleman, and I concur with all the comments that have been made in that I never heard Trevor express even frustration, let alone anger. Indeed, he was always at an even keel and was incredibly approachable. He was someone who simply inspired a great deal of confidence and trust; if Trevor said something to me I certainly never had any reason to doubt it.

I must say that I was only able to work alongside Trevor for a very short time, having only been elected in 2006 and with his getting sick 12 to 18 months after that. I did not personally have a lot of experience with him. I never worked on a committee with him, for example, as many others here had the privilege of doing. However, one occasion that will always stand out to me was along the lines spoken about by the Hon. Mark Parnell. That is, when I was very new in this place (in fact, it was a matter of only days) I was sitting in my office, which was previously occupied by the Hon. Julian Stefani, when Trevor came in. He said that Julian had been in the office for about 100 years and it needed a change, and said, 'These paintings all have to go!' I had not even noticed the paintings on the walls, to be honest, so he really took the lead in that role and said he would get me some good ones. And he got me some very good ones, I must say, and I will be forever grateful.

It occurred to me when Jan was speaking that Trevor started in this place when I was five years old. I think that goes back to the comments I made a moment ago about his absolute professionalism and commitment to this place, and highlights to all the members here how much we rely on the staff and how integral they are to its operation. It simply does not work without them, and Trevor embodied that spirit of support and professionalism as well as anyone I have worked with in my short time here. Again, I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (14:50): As has been noted by other members in the council, Trevor Blowes was a professional, competent and loyal servant of the council; indeed, he was more than this, and he could always be relied upon for friendly and generous advice. When I was navigating my way around procedure and protocol some six years ago, Trevor was always available to steer me in the right direction. His assistance was always offered with graciousness and friendliness, and no problem was ever too big or too small for his attention. Trevor was, indeed, a friendly and welcome port.

His genuine attention and help was not restricted just to members, as Trevor extended to my staff (Brenton and Kara) the same degree of care and concern. Trevor's personal qualities also characterised him in his contact with us: he was a charming, thoughtful, witty and amiable person. I extend to Trevor's family and friends my sincere condolences on his passing.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (14:51): I support the motion and, at the outset, join with the Hon. Sandra Kanck in indicating that a number of members of the broad parliamentary family have spoken to me today—from Hansard, the catering staff and I am sure there are many others as well—who would have appreciated the opportunity to speak, as we have the privilege of speaking, in support of this motion. Together with the Hon. Sandra Kanck—as well as other members who I am sure will also speak on this motion—we speak not just for ourselves but also for all others in Parliament House, and we share their thoughts.

Jan, congratulations on a difficult task in speaking at the outset of the motion. As other members have already acknowledged, you gave us an insight that only you were in a position to give in terms of Trevor the person. We have all experienced, in a parliamentary and more formal sense, our relationship with Trevor over the years, but you were able to give us the benefit of your insight. I must admit that I was never fully convinced by the gust of wind story and the Ford Capri convertible. As I said to Trevor on occasion, I suspect there might have been a touch of speed and testing out of the machine, together with the odd gust of wind and ending in the Coorong.

Jan, as you were recounting earlier today when we were speaking, you did in a very nice way—as we would have expected from the clerk—indicate that your experience of the accident outside The Advertiser building was the only time that you heard Trevor use a profanity, although I am told that it was nothing more severe than, 'Bugger, bugger, bugger!' Again, I think that probably says it all in relation to Trevor as the individual.

A number of members have said that he was an intensely private person. We knew of his love for travel, we knew of his love for good wine and good food, and we knew some of his regular eating haunts around the place, such as the Astor. Those who know the Adelaide CBD will know that Trevor had a number of more regular eating haunts, but we did not know too much about his private life. We knew a little bit; that he was not too much interested in sport, for example. I could not engage Trevor too much in any discussions about football and other sports, and I do not think that he was ever convinced by Chris to join the parliamentary footy tipping competition over the years. I honestly could not tell you whether he was a Crows supporter or a Port supporter. I suspect it might have been Crows, but I do not really know much about his sporting preferences.

I must have met Trevor through his period in the Parliamentary Library during the '70s because, as I have recounted previously, I worked briefly during that time for David Tonkin, the former leader of the opposition. Trevor joined the Legislative Council on 18 November and I was elected to the Legislative Council on 6 November of the same year, in 1982, so as relatively young men we grew within our experience of the Legislative Council together over the past 25 years or so.

Trevor, or Blowers, as I affectionately called him (I am not sure he ever approved of that nickname and, again, he never said whether or not he did), was on my first parliamentary select committee in the Legislative Council. In those days we were responsible for the amalgamation of councils, and the Kadina Wallaroo Moonta amalgamation of councils select committee was conducted in the period around about 1983 or 1984.

Soon after that, we moved into much more controversial areas such as the Marineland select committee and the South Australian Timber Corporation select committee. Perhaps only the older members of the gallery and parliament will remember the South Australian Timber Corporation. It got itself involved in a number of doubtful investments which lost a fair bit of money, one of which was called scrimber. Out of this wonderful new timber-related material they were going to build a new timber car, and a variety of things were going to take over the world, all basically financed out of the state government timber corporation.

One of the bright ideas was to float logs from the southern island of New Zealand across to the South-East of South Australia to increase the log supply. So, of course, the select committee had to travel overseas—and I think it is still the only select committee to have travelled overseas. We went to the South Island of New Zealand to take evidence, because it was a key part of the inquiry. I suspect Trevor was horrified, because going overseas at taxpayers' expense had never been done before. It turned into a three-day rushed trip, and he was worried, I am sure, about Advertiser or News-related stories about extravagance and overseas slush funds.

As soon as we arrived—I cannot remember the name of the town but I think it was Greymouth—at our lodgings, it was clear he need not have worried, because a flood had just gone through Greymouth, if that was the name of the town. The hotel we were staying at had just been flooded. As we arrived at our very expensive accommodation, all the carpets were being hung outside. Anyone who has been in flooded premises and knows the smell of flooded carpet will know what the accommodation was like for the two nights we were there.

Chris reminded me of a story when, on one other select committee, Trevor had the dubious pleasure of having to share lodgings with the Hon. Trevor Crothers because of a shortage of accommodation. Those on the Labor side of the council will have heard, perhaps, that he was a very good snorer, and poor Trevor had to put up with not only all the members on the select committee and the Hon. Trevor Crothers but also his snoring in that cramped accommodation. It was all part of his service to the parliament and the people of South Australia.

There are many other stories about Trevor in terms of his service with many of those select committees all through the years, as I think the Hon. Sandra Kanck indicated. When I indicated earlier I am not sure which particular footy club he supported, I also have no idea how he voted. Yes; I knew about the Parklands and one or two issues such as that, but the only thing you would notice on occasions when one or a number of us misbehaved, either in this chamber or in the parliament, was that he may just raise an eyebrow as he looked disapprovingly in the direction of whoever was misbehaving at the time. But, as all other members have indicated, he was always the consummate professional in providing professional advice to all members on the select committees and, as I said, some of them were very controversial at the time. Of course, his subsequent work as the Black Rod involved providing advice on controversial issues as well.

He was a bit of a nomad. From my discussions with him, it appeared he never seemed to stay too long in any particular lodgings—whether it was at Glenelg, Henley, in the city, or eventually at Norwood. There was a range of places. I am not sure whether he was doing them up and selling them and making money on the real estate market, as was alluded to earlier by Jan and others. Certainly, he was a bit of a nomad in terms of moving on and experiencing a number of places.

Chris was reminding us of something that would not have impressed Trevor but would have impressed sports lovers. He always seemed to land next door to a prominent sportsperson: at Henley he was living next door to Mark Davis, the former famous Adelaide 36er; and when he moved into the city he was living next door to Alicia Molik, a famous tennis player who for some time has represented herself and Australia on the international stage.

In conclusion, Trevor loved the parliament but loved the Legislative Council even more intensely. We know that he did not have a big immediate family of his own but I believe that, in particular, Jan, Chris and Margaret were almost his family—the Legislative Council family—together with the other staff who came and went over the years. Trevor loved his Legislative Council family but also loved this council and institution and would defend it to the end. I again pay tribute to Jan for her contribution earlier but also for her great support for Trevor over the past seven months and the difficult task she has had in respecting Trevor's wishes for privacy in relation to his serious illness. Trevor was a wonderful servant of this parliament and a wonderful human being, and my condolences go to his friends and family. I support the motion.

The Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER (15:02): I, too, wish to extend my condolences and support the motion expressing our deep regret at Trevor's early passing. Two great tributes have been paid to Trevor today: first, Jan telling us so much about the Trevor she knew, whom most of us did not know because he was indeed a very private man. The other great tribute has been the number of staff who have taken time off to be here today. They indeed were very much part of an exclusive club or part of Trevor's family. I have noticed today that there are staff from committees, the library, catering, administration and Hansard. In fact, I think everyone who has been able to be here is here, and that is testimony to the great respect with which Trevor was held.

Trevor was one of a very dwindling small group who had the fortune (or misfortune) to be here for two generations of the Whyte family—my father and myself—and he became Black Rod in the year I became a member of parliament. He was at all times polite, personable, pleasant and tactful, but he was also very strong. No-one pushed Trevor around, no-one told Trevor what was right or wrong or how things should be proceeded with. He was a stickler for that which was right and always lived by those principles.

As the Hon. Rob Lucas said, Trevor a great supporter of the Legislative Council. He had a great depth of knowledge of and respect for the institution of the parliament and parliamentary process, and hence was able to give good solid advice to all new members as they came in, as well as giving advice to many of us who were not such new members but who still needed to seek that advice, which was always given absolutely honestly and fearlessly. Trevor also had perhaps the great gift of knowing what should remain confidential and respecting that.

I had little to do with Trevor outside this place, other than seeking his advice from time to time on real estate or on doing something. When I was trying to renovate our house at Clare, Trevor had a great knowledge of every tiling place and every paint shop, and every interior decorator worth knowing in Adelaide Trevor knew, and he could always direct you to the right person to give you the advice that you needed. I would often say, 'You have sold such and such, Trevor, you must have made good money on that.'

Perhaps they were the only lies he ever told. He always claimed that he never made any money on any of his real estate investments, in spite of the fact that he continued to invest in real estate and, indeed, to do up his own homes to such an extent that I am sure he did make some money. I remember saying to him once, 'But you must enjoy doing it, Trevor.' He said, 'Who would enjoy stripping plaster off an old wall', but, as I say, he continued to do so, so he must have enjoyed it.

Again, I wish to join with the larger team which is the Legislative Council on all sides and the staff in extending my condolences to those who knew and loved Trevor.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (15:06): Trevor was ever a private, discrete and gentle man. Trevor and I have a long acquaintance going back to the 1980s when disco was not such a pejorative term as it is these days: it was still an exciting place to be on a Saturday night. The Clerk has told us a little about his adeptness at disappearing acts from official functions, never knowing where he was going. I can tell members where he went. I would see him bursting through the doors of the Mars Bar some evenings saying, 'God, I need a drink.' Even when I plied him with that drink, or several drinks, he was always too discrete to talk about where he had been or which MP had driven him to need that drink quite so badly. The Clerk also told us that he had a nickname, 'Mr Hugo Boss' or 'Mr Country Road'. We had a name for him as well: it was 'Mr Vogue Living'.

His passion for buying homes and doing them up was renowned. I am not sure whether he ever did make any money because he spent hugely on his products for the home. He bought the very best. He had immaculate taste. If he was referring you to a tile place or a place from where you could buy curtains, you could be sure that they were the most expensive places in town. So, I am not sure whether he ever did make a huge killing on doing up houses but he did enjoy it—he also enjoyed complaining about it.

I never did get to see Trevor dance but, with his style and grace, I am sure he would have been fantastic at it. Trevor was never one for making an exhibition of himself, as others of us are: it was not his way. I would like to offer my condolences to his loving partner and his family.

The Hon. B.V. FINNIGAN (15:08): I rise to support the motion and to express my sorrow at the untimely passing of the late Trevor Blowes. As other newer members have indicated, coming into parliament just a couple of years ago, Trevor was a great asset to us in helping us to set up and learning our way around the place, and certainly offering advice on how we should decorate our offices and the rusty filing cabinets we should get rid of. Again as members have noted, the number of staff here today, who I am sure will miss Trevor very much and very greatly, is a testament to the regard in which he was held around this place by members and staff, that is, our staff, as well as the broader staff within Parliament House.

I place on record my condolences to his family and friends, to all those who were dear to him and, in particular, to those within our extended parliamentary family, Jan and Chris and all the staff here who I know will miss him terribly. I pass on my condolences and that of my staff to them. I know in Britain the traditional title for Black Rod was Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod and, as a number of members have indicated, there could be no better descriptor of Trevor than a gentleman. May he have eternal rest.

The Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (15:10): I rise to support the motion. I have different memories of Trevor. Since I have been here I have spent a bit of time sitting in the chairman's chair—as you did, sir, before you became President. In fact, I was put in the position of acting president on my second day in this parliament—which was a bit of a shock.

I think it might have been on my third day here that I actually sat in the chairman's chair as part of a committee. I imagine that Trevor was a bit worried about this. When I sat there and worked with Trevor with complicated amendments—which he always had sorted out immaculately—if I started to get the terminology wrong I got a frown and then a very discreet whisper as to how I should be describing the situation or how the amendment should be put. I will never forget that.

We have talked today about the fact that Trevor would never comment about his thoughts on an issue, but sometimes, as the Hon. Rob Lucas said, he might raise an eyebrow or there might be a little frown. Occasionally, if I was in the chair he would put the messages onto the table and, just depending on what was happening in the chamber, I would get a little look. I was not sure what he was on about, but there was something of which he disapproved.

When I was in the chair when Matters of Interest were being dealt with he would be fastidious about the five-minute timing. If I happened to be in the chair and someone was sitting next to me and we were talking, so that I missed the end of the five minutes, he would glare at me.

The Hon. Caroline Schaefer talked about Trevor's being here for two generations of the Whyte family. Well, he had to put up with two generations of the Dawkins family, as well. Indeed, during my dad's era he actually did not work in the Legislative Council but, rather, in the library. My father, like many members of parliament in that era, had a limited number of staff so he used to go to the library all the time. I think my father went to the library with some obscure requests about matters agricultural about which Trevor knew nothing but he sounded like he knew something about it and, generally, he found something for dad.

He took the role of Deputy Clerk and Usher of the Black Rod immensely seriously. Certainly, he did look the part in the robe, wig and gloves. He loved the institution of the parliament and was very loyal to the Legislative Council. In this place we have the title 'honourable', but Trevor Blowes was truly honourable. It was a privilege to know and work with him and I extend my sympathy to his family and friends.

The Hon. R.D. LAWSON (15:13): I wish to make some brief remarks to support the motion on this very sad occasion. My first close association with Trevor Blowes was in the final stages of the long-running Marineland select committee, of which he was secretary. I soon saw his efficiency, impartiality, integrity and imperturbability—qualities which he always showed subsequently during my time in parliament.

Others today have mentioned that Trevor was a man of style—and, undoubtedly, that is true—but he was also a man of real substance. It was style supported by substance. Others have spoken of Trevor's qualities. He was quiet, reserved and dignified and a very discreet person but he was never funereal in his discreetness. As Jan Davis has illustrated, he had an impish sense of humour which was there for us all to enjoy. I will greatly miss Trevor Blowes, as will all members and staff in this parliament, and I express my condolences to his family and friends.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:15): I, too, rise to support the motion. The Usher of the Black Rod oozed class. I do not think anyone can dispute that. Most people would acknowledge when they come here that this is a very different place. You learn which people fulfil which roles; but to me, from day one, Trevor was the Usher of the Black Rod. With a straight back, he strode up and down this chamber carrying the Black Rod, and it always seemed to be very appropriate. Trevor was immaculately presented and, as I have said, I just thought from the day I met him that he oozed class.

Trevor was an absolute gentleman, as others have said, and was very decent to everyone with whom he had to deal. In this place barbs are exchanged between members and sometimes it is a little unsavoury. Well, Trevor sat there with decency, tolerating us all at our worst times, and did not seem to pass judgment. I am very proud of the way in which everyone concerned has spoken today, in particular the Clerk. I pass on my condolences to Trevor's family and friends. God rest his soul.

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:16): I rise to support this motion. It was, indeed, with great sadness that we learnt of Trevor's passing. As members would know, I knew Trevor for only a matter of days, having come into this place on 21 November last year, but, in the time that I knew him, Trevor was always helpful. Nothing was too much trouble for him, and I have learnt from my staff that he provided the same sort of assistance to them. I would therefore like to extend my condolences, and those of my staff, to Trevor's family and friends.

The Hon. S.G. WADE (15:17): I would like to speak briefly, too, in support of this condolence motion. As has been said, Trevor was one of the longest-serving members of the Legislative Council team. Being a member of the class of 2006, I am one of the shortest-serving members of the team. However, it did not take you long as a member of this parliament to be struck by the presence of Trevor Blowes. He personified the best traditions of the parliament. He was almost made for the role of Usher of the Black Rod.

In his service to the parliament, Trevor brought the same passion that he brought to life, and we are greatly in his debt in terms of the service he has provided us over a number of years. A number of members—particularly newer members—have expressed their appreciation of Trevor's support for us at our induction. I must say that, as a new member, I was surprised. I had made a number of peculiar requests and expected them to be politely ignored but, over the weeks and months that ensued, Trevor Blowes and his team quietly and efficiently met those requests above and beyond my expectations.

That logistical support in those early days, and the training and advice that Trevor was able to give me, have been a foundation of my parliamentary service. I will be indebted to him and, in the years ahead, I intend to be a worthy recipient of that support. I believe that, as Trevor personified the parliament, it behoves us all to ensure that this Legislative Council continues to grow in the traditions for which he fought so hard. To his work mates and to his family and friends, I express my condolences.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:19): I, too, would like to support the motion. Also, I indicate to Jan, our Clerk, what a tremendous thing she has done under very difficult circumstances. I knew Trevor for only two years. He was a secretary of a couple of select committees of which I was a member and was one of those people you could not help but become very fond of. I would like to mention two things about Trevor. The first is that when I would sit as the Acting Chairman in the Chairman's chair during committee, and while members were making speeches and being very serious, Trevor and I very often would be searching the travel section on the internet, looking up various cheap hotels and accommodation around the world. While I probably used to look very keen and enthusiastic about it, Trevor would always sit there very stony faced so that people would not realise what we were doing.

The second occasion was that, when I first became a member, I also wanted some artwork for my room, and I asked Trevor to take me down to where it was kept. He took me down to a room in the basement. He did not show any surprise when I said to him that I did not really think much of what was there. However, I now know that he had given all the good artwork to Family First. I would like to pay my respects to Trevor and also send my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

The PRESIDENT: I would also like to say a few words about Trevor, who was a great help to me when I first came into parliament and also when I became President. In any employment, one would describe Trevor as a great bloke and a good, loyal employee whom anyone would be proud to employ. He had a great sense of humour and he had a love of travelling and real estate. Quite often I used to sit up here and look over his shoulder at the varied real estate that was being displayed on the computer and think, 'Gee; I wish we could call this into committee so I could get a little closer and have a bit of a yarn about what he is looking at and what is a bargain and what is not.' When we did reach the committee stage, of course, we would have a bit of a look at the real estate and some of the travel sites. I was more interested in the real estate. Trevor would keep a stony face, as the Hon. Mr Wortley said, so, at times, I do not think any members knew exactly what we were looking at.

I also enjoyed Trevor's support with respect to some of the artwork that we are looking at putting up in the council. Trevor was very loyal to Jan, of course, and now and again I would have a few jokes with him and say, 'Oh, that Clerk of mine; we'll have to gang up on her. We've got to get some artwork up around the walls.' He would say, 'I don't know, Bob; she's not real keen.' I would say, 'Well, it's just the artwork. Perhaps we will get some cartoons.' However, he was not into that.

As others have mentioned, Trevor loved the place and the tradition that went with it. Sometimes I would also joke with him about that and say, 'Next opening day, I don't know about that wig,' and he would say, 'Oh, I think you should wear it. It's part of the tradition.' But I was only joking with him. Of course, I also enjoy the tradition here, and I think it is important that we maintain it. I know that, with people such as Trevor and our other staff, we always will maintain the tradition on those days that are important to us.

As I was walking down the corridor the other day, I walked past Chris Schwarz, who was talking to a group of people, and I heard him say a beautiful thing that explained Trevor pretty accurately. He was telling the people that he was six foot tall, 'and every time you had a conversation with him, he made you feel taller'. I thought that was a wonderful expression that was used by Chris, and it is very accurate.

I congratulate Jan on her contribution today, because I know how extremely hard it would have been for her. She did a wonderful job, and I know that she and her husband Peter will really miss Trevor. I know that the other Legislative Council staff will also miss him very badly. It is nice to see staff from all over Parliament House here today to hear the condolence speeches. On behalf of those in the House of Assembly and the other staff at Parliament House, I pass on their condolences to Trevor's family and friends, and I also pass on my condolences to Trevor's Legislative Council family and his family and friends.

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.


[Sitting suspended from 15:24 to 15:48]


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