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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-10-14 Daily Xml
Contents
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Condolence

Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Deputy Premier, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:18): By leave, I move:

That the Legislative Council 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 council be suspended until the ringing of the bells.

I rise today, on behalf of the government, to commemorate the life of the Hon. Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO, former Governor of this state, and a man whose 101 years were marked not only by remarkable longevity but an unwavering service.

Sir Eric James Neal was born on 3 June 1924 in London to James and May Neal, the eldest of four children. In 1926, when Sir Eric was just two years old, his family made the journey to Australia. Sir Eric grew up in South Australia, attending Largs Bay and Hindmarsh public schools, later completing his schooling at Thebarton Technical School. Sir Eric concluded schooling at the age of 16 to enter the workforce but remained committed to learning, enrolling in engineering studies at the South Australian School of Mines.

Encouraged by his father, James, Sir Eric pursued an apprenticeship at the South Australian Gas Company. He learnt the trade of plumbing and gasfitting there under his father's guidance. A successful engineering career led to an impressive business career. Sir Eric served as the chief executive of Boral, one of the nation's largest building construction companies, a role he held with distinction for 14 years. His vision and leadership extended far beyond a single company. He served on the boards of BHP, Atlas Copco, Westpac and John Fairfax Limited—some of Australia's most significant corporate institutions.

In 1996, Sir Eric made history once again, becoming the first South Australian Governor appointed from a business background. As the 32nd Governor of South Australia, Sir Eric brought a wealth of experience, extended networks and a pragmatic understanding of global commerce. During his years as Governor, Sir Eric strengthened South Australia's international ties, leading successful trade missions to Europe, Asia and North America. His work supported local businesses, advanced the state's interests abroad and reminded the world of South Australia's innovation, talent and opportunity.

But retirement was never truly part of Sir Eric's vocabulary. After his retirement as Governor in 2001, he continued to give back to public life, serving as Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 until 2010. In this role, he championed education, research and opportunity for young South Australians, just as he himself had once been given the chance to learn and grow. He also served as the chair of the South Australian government Road Safety Advisory Council from 2003 until 2011, contributing to policy that helped save lives and make roads safer.

In a particularly meaningful role, he chaired the Veterans' Advisory Council, where his leadership culminated in the opening of the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk, a lasting tribute to those who served. Sir Eric's contributions were recognised with some of the very highest honours that can be bestowed. He was made a Knight Bachelor for his service to industry. He was appointed Companion of the Order of Australia for his extraordinary service to commerce and the community. He held appointments as a Commander of the Royal Order (CVO), Knight of the Order of St John and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technical Sciences and Engineering.

Behind his many achievements stood a constant source of love and support: his wife of 72 years, Lady Thelma 'Joan' Neal. Together, they raised two sons and built a life rooted in love, loyalty and strength. Sir Eric reflected that much of his long life and success was thanks to Joan, his anchor, his companion and his greatest source of joy. Of course, there was one other great passion in his life: the Port Adelaide Football Club. A lifelong supporter and, indeed, patron, Sir Eric stood by the club through triumph and adversity, as only a true supporter can.

On behalf of the government, I extend my condolences and best wishes to the greater Neal family. With the passing of someone who certainly made their mark on this state, I commend the condolence motion to the chamber.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:22): I rise today on behalf of the South Australian Liberal Party to honour the remarkable life of Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO, former Governor of South Australia, and to extend our deepest condolences to his two sons, his five grandchildren, his five great-grandchildren and to all those who mourn his passing.

Sir Eric's story is one of extraordinary achievement and lifelong service. Born in London in 1924 and raised in Largs Bay, after migrating to South Australia in 1927, from humble beginnings he rose to become one of South Australia's most distinguished figures in both business and public life. His early training as an engineer at the South Australian School of Mines was a foundation for a career that would see him shape much of the infrastructure and industry that underpins our modern state and nation.

Sir Eric was a pioneer of Australian business. He led Boral as chief executive for 14 years and served on the boards of BHP, AMP, Westpac, Coca-Cola Amatil and John Fairfax Holdings, earning a reputation as a man of vision and integrity. His contributions to infrastructure were profound, from his pivotal role in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel to his quiet advocacy for investment and jobs in South Australia.

In 1987, Sir Eric was appointed Chief Commissioner of the City of Sydney during the city's bicentennial celebrations, bringing order and efficiency to a time of rapid growth and change. In 1996, the Dean Brown Liberal government appointed him Governor of South Australia, the first governor chosen from a business rather than a political or military background.

During his five-year term, Sir Eric and Lady Joan Neal worked tirelessly to make Government House the people's house, visiting communities across our state and hosting thousands of schoolchildren, civic groups and community organisations. Sir Eric brought a unique perspective to the role, acting as a quiet but effective ambassador for South Australia. He led trade missions to China, Sweden, Malaysia, the United States and the United Kingdom, opening doors for South Australian businesses and industries and always careful to do so in a way that respected the apolitical nature of his office.

Sir Eric's legacy extends well beyond his time as Governor. Following his vice-regal service, he became Chancellor of Flinders University, championing higher education and research partnerships between universities and industry. He oversaw the development of what he described as a renaissance of engineering at Flinders, leaving a lasting mark on the institution and on generations of students.

A deeply committed supporter of veterans and commemorative projects, Sir Eric chaired the Veterans' Advisory Council and was instrumental in the creation of the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk on Kintore Street. His leadership ensured that this important project was delivered on time and with the dignity it deserved.

Throughout his life, Sir Eric displayed the qualities of service, humility and connection. Whether in boardrooms, at Government House or chatting with students at Flinders University, he was approachable and he was grounded. Former Prime Minister John Howard described him as, and I quote, 'a great all rounder', someone who combined business acumen with compassion and public service.

Sir Eric's centenary last year was marked by tributes from across the nation, including a personal message from King Charles III, a fitting recognition for a man whose service spanned continents and communities. His passing at the age of 101 closes a remarkable chapter in our state's history, but his legacy endures in the institutions he strengthened and in the lives that he touched. As we reflect on Sir Eric's life, we see a man who believed that public office was about responsibility, not power, and who used every role he held to build a better South Australia. His story is a reminder of what principled leadership can achieve.

On behalf of the opposition, I extend our deepest sympathies to Sir Eric's family and to all who knew and admired him. South Australia has lost a true statesman, and his example will continue to inspire us for generations to come. Vale Sir Eric Neal.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:27): I rise, briefly, to reflect on the passing of Sir Eric Neal and to convey my sympathies to his family and friends. As has been observed by others, Sir Eric's life was one of remarkable achievement. As part of his distinguished public service, he was Chancellor of Flinders University from 2002 to 2010, and it was in that capacity that we first met when I served as student president and representative on the university council. I was on the university council in 2005 and 2006, I believe.

Sir Eric recognised the important role that students played on the university council, and I remember fondly our many political chats during those times. I think it is fair to say that we had slightly different views on a few things, but I think we both enjoyed those conversations. He would often seek the views of student representatives. Indeed, this was a period of significant change for the university sector and he provided strong leadership during that time.

As has been observed by Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling, Sir Eric was a man of great integrity and wisdom. His contribution to Flinders University was profound and his legacy continues to shape the institution today. He had an extraordinary ability to bring people together and to inspire confidence in the university's mission. He was deeply respected by staff, students and the broader community.

I ran into Sir Eric many years later, as a North Adelaide resident, during my time on the Adelaide City Council. I remember my surprise, when doorknocking in North Adelaide back in 2014, to be greeted by Sir Eric, and we had a good discussion then as well. We bumped into each other often at events over the years and he was always warm and friendly. I believe he was a thoroughly decent man with a strong commitment to community service.

As the Premier observed, few people attain the remarkable age of 101. Sir Eric achieved much in his century-long life and has had a significant impact on our state. It was testament to the high regard in which he was held by all sides of politics that there was such strong representation from the parliament at the state funeral that I had the opportunity to attend a few weeks ago. I think it was a very fitting send-off for Sir Eric and a fitting recognition of his remarkable life. Vale Sir Eric Neal.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:29): I rise today to pay tribute and convey my deepest condolences to Sir Eric Neal's family—his two sons, Peter and James, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren—and his extended family and friends on the passing of a truly remarkable South Australian, Sir Eric James Neal, at the age of 101. Sir Eric was a man of great integrity, wisdom and service. His life was defined by longevity, resilience and contribution. I was also at the memorial service at the cathedral with so many honourable members that day. It was a beautiful send-off with many emotional and humorous speeches at the same time that spoke a lot about the humility and the legacy of Sir Eric.

I have a number of personal stories to share about Sir Eric. I recall, when I was the chairperson of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association business award, he agreed to be the guest of honour for that particular award. On the night of the award, I received a phone call about 4 o'clock, and I thought somebody was playing a prank on me because when I picked up the phone, he said, 'This is Eric here.' He obviously was not feeling very well, so his voice sounded really different. I said, 'Come on, Eric,' because he just said 'Eric' and I had a friend who was attending the dinner and I thought someone was playing a joke on me, so I said, 'Come on, don't do this. You can't be serious about this.'

Then he said, 'I really am Sir Eric Neal,' and I did not really believe him. Anyway, I said, 'Okay, I will see you tonight,' and I hung up. Then the official secretary of Government House rang and said, 'You just spoke to Sir Eric Neal. He has not been feeling well and he has lost his voice.' I thought, 'Oh my God.' He would actually personally call. Instead of somebody else calling, he sent a personal apology to say that he could not make it on the night. I felt really bad, so I said, 'Can you please apologise to Sir Eric? I didn't mean to be rude and offensive.' That was the sort of person he was.

I have other stories about Sir Eric Neal. One of his sons, James, and I are really good friends. We went out boating. Sir Eric said, 'Okay, kids, you guys can have fun. You don't have to pay attention to me.' Lady Joan and Sir Eric just sat on one side, and we did our thing as his guests on the boat. He was a really remarkable man. We are sad about his passing but I think that for somebody of his status to be able to make such a great impact on so many lives, and touch so many lives, is really truly remarkable.

I also know that Sir Eric loved education. He was a patron of the Australia Malaysia Business Council. During the whole time he was patron, with every single president who served with him and every student who was awarded an international student's award by the Australia Malaysia Business Council, Sir Eric always spent time when presenting awards—that little bit of special time to acknowledge the excellence of each individual student. That is also an incredible legacy that he has left in supporting education.

Many other members have mentioned his incredible career in business and also celebrated so many different qualifications as well as contributions he made to society. I just want to pay other tributes I have written down here. Beyond his public achievements, Sir Eric's personal life was equally inspiring. He met his beloved wife, Lady Thelma 'Joan' Neal, at the Royal Adelaide Show in 1947, a chance encounter that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They were married for over 70 years, celebrating a union marked by devotion, grace and shared service to the people of South Australia.

Sir Eric was also a lifelong supporter of the Port Adelaide Football Club, serving as a joint patron from 2005. His passion for the club was well known, and he provided important support over the years. Port Adelaide president at the time, Greg Boulton, once said that Sir Eric represented everything the club stood for: success, pride and the courage to overcome the odds.

Today, I am truly grateful to be able to pay this tribute. To his family I extend my heartfelt sympathy. I hope that you all find comfort in knowing that Sir Eric's contributions will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. Always in our hearts. Vale Sir Eric Neal.

Motion carried by members standing in their places in silence.

Sitting suspended from 14:36 to 14:46.

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