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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2024-06-27 Daily Xml
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Condolence

Nankivell, Mr W.F.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:28): With the leave of the council, I move:

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

I rise today on behalf of the government to commemorate the life and contribution of William Nankivell, or Bill as he was better known, the former member for Albert and later the member for Mallee, and to offer our sincere condolences to his family upon his recent passing.

Bill was born in Mount Gambier in 1923 and went on to study further from home at Roseworthy Agricultural College. Mr Nankivell then served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II as a leading aircraftman. Following his service, Mr Nankivell graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences, which he put to good use as a grazier in Keith.

At the 1959 election, he was elected to represent the seat of Albert for the Liberal and Country League. When that seat was abolished before the election in 1970, he won the seat of Mallee, which took in much of the South-East of the state, including Robe, Keith and Meningie, and won with a 58 per cent primary vote.

During his time as an MP Mr Nankivell held roles as the shadow minister for education and primary production and played a key role in establishing the former Public Accounts Committee, a crucial measure for government accountability. Mr Nankivell retired at the 1979 election, at that time the longest serving member of the parliament.

Mr Nankivell just last year reached the remarkable milestone of his 100th birthday. From what I have been able to see, he did not look a day over 65. I am told he was active and sprightly even upon reaching triple digits and was apparently still driving when the big birthday arrived—quite remarkable.

Twenty years in parliament and 100 years of life are incredible achievements. We send our thoughts to his family—his wife of 69 years, Diane, and his sons, Andrew and Tim—during this time; they will be looking back on a long and very full life. Vale Bill Nankivell.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (15:30): I rise today to honour a century of service. William Field Nankivell, born 7 September 1923, was a distinguished Australian politician whose career spanned two decades in the South Australian House of Assembly. Born in Mount Gambier in the South-East of South Australia, Bill was the son of a Baptist pastor who instilled in him strong values from a very early age. Those values included a desire to be of service, compassion towards others, the autonomy and advocacy of the local community and that integrity and honesty are the matters in which one should operate.

During World War II, from 1944 to 1945, Bill served his country in the Royal Australian Air Force, showcasing his dedication and commitment as a leading aircraftman. After the war, still in his early 20s, he transitioned back to civilian life, becoming a farmer and a company director. Both of these roles grounded Bill in the practical and economic concerns of his community in the South-East.

Bill's political career began in 1959, when he was elected to represent the seat of Albert in the South Australian House of Assembly for the Liberal and Country League at the age of 36. He held the seat of Albert until 1970, when he transitioned to the seat of Mallee, which he retained for a further nine years before retiring in 1979.

Bill's commitment to public service was evident, and he actively participated in multiple parliamentary committees. From 1963 to 1968 he was a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Land Settlement, where he contributed to shaping policies on land distribution and use. No doubt his background in farming and business came in handy for this task.

Bill Nankivell's expertise was further recognised when he joined the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for a five-year period, between 1968 and 1973, overseeing infrastructure projects that were vital for the state's development. Then, for four years, from 1973 to 1977, he served on the Public Accounts Committee, an important committee ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in government spending. This is something we should all be cognisant of, given our current position of state debt.

Bill Nankivell knew that there needed to be more than a promise of transparency and that actions must consistently align with any given statement. Open dialogue and the sharing of information in a timely manner leads to trust and public confidence. Again, this integrity and honesty is a reflection of his deeply held values. His tenure in the parliament was marked by a deep understanding of rural issues and a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents. He was a respectful figure in the Liberal Party, known for his integrity and his dedication.

I would like to take a moment to note some of the characteristics which Bill Nankivell brought with him to the Parliament of South Australia. His farming background brought an understanding of hard work. Farming requires dedication, long hours and perseverance. There are complex problems requiring a combination of creativity and a degree of tenacity. Both members of parliament and farmers need to be somewhat tenacious. My understanding is that Bill Nankivell had this in spades.

He was a strong advocate during his political career for rural issues in our South Australian regional communities. He understood well the resilience that comes from the unpredictable nature of farming and politics, a true grounded perspective on governance.

William Field Nankivell passed away on 11 June 2024 at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of public service and community dedication. He witnessed the Second World War, the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983, our nation's intervention in East Timor on the cusp of the new millennium and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic.

After 100 years and a full life of service, Bill was farewelled in Norwood, remembered fondly by his colleagues, his friends and his family. His contribution to South Australian politics and his century-long life of service stand as a testament to his enduring impact on his community and to this state.

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

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.

Sitting suspended from 15:35 to 15:47.

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