Tuesday, 20 September 2022

Nancye Cain

Mr CARBINES (Ivanhoe—Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Racing) (12:43): I rise to give thanks for the life of Nancye Cain, who passed away this month aged 90, the adored wife for 64 years of former Victorian Premier, the Honourable John Cain. For most of their lives the Cains lived and raised their family in the Ivanhoe electorate, and Nancye’s passing is keenly felt by many members of the local community and community organisations. She was widely respected across the state. She warmly introduced me to many constituents over the years, for which I am very thankful. In John Cain’s autobiography, John Cain’s Years:Power, Parties and Politics, he wrote:

I said many times during my years as premier that the only job in Australian politics tougher than the prime minister’s was to be Labor premier in Victoria. At times I despaired. My spirit and commitment were only maintained through the toughest times by my wife, Nancye. She had no love whatever for politics. She put up with it for me. Anything worthwhile I was able to do was due in large measure to her support and constant loyalty. In addition she put aside many of her interests to do those public things (and more) that the spouse of a premier is expected to do.

Nancye Cain was loved, admired and respected for her selflessness, and the Australian Labor Party owes her many grateful thanks. On behalf of the Parliament, the people of Victoria and my Ivanhoe constituency, we offer our condolences to Nancye’s children, Joanne, John and James, and the extended Cain family.