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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-04-09 Daily Xml
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Condolence

Webster, Mr F.R.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:19): By leave, I move:

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

Today, I rise to offer the condolences of the government and this Legislative Council to the family and friends of former member for Norwood Frank Webster, who passed away on Friday 1 March 2024. Mr Webster lived a life that was full and one that he kept quietly private. I did not know Mr Webster personally, but I wish to make some brief comments about the legacy that he leaves behind.

Mr Webster first stood for the seat of Norwood, now largely the seat of Dunstan, at the March 1979 election after the resignation of then Premier Don Dunstan. He was defeated by Labor candidate Greg Crafter, but a state election later that year would see Mr Webster at that general election go on to win the seat by just 33 votes. A subsequent appeal to the Court of Disputed Returns, the subject of which was an advertisement in an Italian language newspaper, saw the seat vacated after just 14 parliamentary sitting days and the result was then reversed once more, with Greg Crafter winning that by-election held in February 1980.

Following his exit from parliament, Mr Webster went on to great success in his legal career, establishing his law firm in what we know today as the prominent firm Websters Lawyers. He was also a founding board member of the South Australian Foundation of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, having himself experienced throat cancer. It was a position he held until his passing.

The Law Society, in marking Mr Webster's passing, noted that there would be no formal public funeral service, given that Mr Webster was of the view that funerals are, and I will quote, 'the most overrated form of entertainment, closely followed by weddings', with his family instead inviting friends to enjoy a bottle of red in his honour.

On behalf of the government, and on behalf of this chamber, we send our condolences and best wishes to Mr Webster's family and recognise his service to the parliament, the legal sector and the people of South Australia.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:22): I rise today on behalf of the opposition to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Francis Raymond Webster, elected representative of the former seat of Norwood, who passed away on 1 March this year. Mr Webster is remembered as a tenacious candidate, politician and lawyer. He will also be remembered for his tenacity in his fight against cancer. Although Mr Webster's tenure in parliament was brief, his dedication to the South Australian community was unwavering throughout his lifetime.

Elected in 1979 at the age of 33, whilst practising as a barrister and serving on the Queen Victoria Hospital board, Mr Webster's victory in the Norwood seat by a mere 34 votes played a pivotal role in David Tonkin's ascension to the Premiership, becoming South Australia's 38th Premier.

With a legal career spanning over three decades, Mr Webster was admitted to practice in 1972 and continued until his retirement in 2004. He was affiliated with various legal firms, including Martin Webster and Lovell from 1979 to 1983, Webster Braes and Co. from 1983 until 1986, and later Frank Webster and Associates from 1993 to 1984, which eventually rebranded as Websters Lawyers, a legacy that endures today.

I wish to note, though, that the most poignant and lasting legacy he leaves is as a noted founder of the SA ENT Foundation, or the South Australian Foundation of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. The foundation was established to procure necessary equipment for head and neck cancer patients that the hospital did not supply. Initially, the fund received contributions from surgeons at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Proceeds from a joint clinic with speech pathologists continue to bolster the foundation's funds to this day.

Substantial donations have empowered the foundation to support various research endeavours. These include investigations into the applications of laser and robotic surgery as well as ongoing research into laryngeal transplantation. Moreover, the foundation has sponsored training opportunities for junior medical, allied health and nursing staff.

The foundation continues to expand its focus beyond the aforementioned initiatives. It is committed to addressing head and neck cancer, Aboriginal health disparities, paediatric treatment and research, and conditions related to nasal, sinus, ear and throat cancers.

Notably, the recent National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey highlighted the disproportionate prevalence of long-term ear and hearing issues among Indigenous Australians, underscoring the urgency of addressing these disparities and emphasising just how important this foundation's work continues to be for Australians.

Prior to Mr Webster's passing he noted that he did not want a formal funeral service but instead directed through his last wishes that friends enjoy a bottle of red in his memory. Our team raises a glass of South Australia's best red in his honour. On behalf of the Liberal Party in South Australia, I want to extend my thanks to Mr Webster for his service to our community and also recognise, of course, his broader contributions. Vale Frank Raymond Webster.

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.

Sitting suspended from 14:26 to 14:35.

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