Thursday, 23 March 2023
Members statements
Terry Norris
Terry Norris
Gabrielle WILLIAMS (Dandenong – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ambulance Services, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples) (09:43): I rise today to pay tribute to the late Terry Norris, former Labor member for Dandenong, following his passing earlier this week. Many Australians would know Terry best for his TV work, whether that be Cop Shop, Bellbird or any of the other 80-odd TV shows and films that Terry performed in throughout his career. Perhaps his most fitting role was when he starred in the infamous ‘It’s Time’ television commercial to support the Gough Whitlam-led Labor Party at the 1972 election. In 1982 Terry began his political career as the Labor member for Noble Park, where he served until the seat was abolished in 1985. He then served as the member for Dandenong until 1992. He would reflect on his 10 years of service as both eye-opening and challenging, but his legacy in Dandenong is one that will live on.
When I was preselected for the seat of Dandenong back in 2013, one of the first people to call me to offer congratulations was Terry. He was humble and assumed that I may not know who he was. We had a wonderful chat about what I should expect from a political career – he was right – and he offered up his support whenever I should need it. I now know this kindness was very typical of Terry. When I posted on Facebook about his passing, the comments were filled with a consistent wave of words to describe the man: a good man, a kind man, a heart of gold, a man who took time to talk and listen and a top bloke, as my immediate predecessor in this place John Pandazopoulos said.
Terry was more than just a brilliant and beloved actor. He was a mentor and a passionate and engaged representative for the Dandenong community. He will be remembered fondly by Victorian Labor and the south-east community more broadly. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his wife Julia and his children and all who had the great pleasure of knowing him or feeling like they did. Vale, Terry Norris.