Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-08-19 Daily Xml

Contents

Condolence

Cameron, Hon. M.B.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:21): By leave, I move:

That the Legislative Council expresses its deep regret at the recent death of Mr Martin Bruce Cameron, former member of the Legislative Council and Senator for South Australia, and places on record its appreciation of his distinguished public service.

I rise today on behalf of the government to acknowledge the passing of Mr Martin Bruce Cameron, former member of this place. Mr Cameron was born on 24 August 1935 in Millicent, South Australia. He attended Scotch College before enlisting for six months of National Service in 1954. Upon his return, Mr Cameron studied a Diploma of Agriculture at Canterbury Agricultural College in New Zealand. He met Barbara there in 1958, and the pair were married on 21 May 1960 and have five children.

Mr Cameron worked on several farms in the South-East, including a property on Kalangadoo, before entering politics. On 2 March 1968, Mr Cameron narrowly lost the seat of Millicent for the House of Assembly standing against the sitting member and minister, Mr Des Corcoran, in what was then a safe Labor seat. When I say he narrowly lost, it was by the narrowest of margins—one single vote. The Liberal and Country League challenged the decision. The election was referred to the Court of Disputed Returns and a by-election ordered for 22 June. After the by-election loss, Mr Cameron returned to his farm, amongst other things negotiating for the establishment of a vegetable processing factory, while the LCL appointed him to its state executive.

Mr Cameron was elected to the South Australian Legislative Council in 1971, after filling a casual vacancy in the Senate in 1969. He played an important role serving on several parliamentary committees and chairing various fishery and seafood committees. After retiring from politics, Mr Cameron worked at his family property and served on various government, industry and not-for-profit committees. On behalf the government, I extend the chamber's condolences to the Hon. Mr Cameron's family and loved ones.