Wednesday, 7 February 2024

Dr Ronald James Herbert Wells

Sam GROTH (Nepean) (09:50): Today I rise to recognise the contribution of my late predecessor Dr Ron Wells, who passed away on 2 January this year. Dr Wells served as the member for Dromana in this place from 1985 to 1992 before transferring to the upper house as the member for Eumemmerring until 1999. An accomplished veterinarian, Dr Wells made the move to politics in 1982 when he attempted to succeed the Honourable Roberts Dunstan at the hotly contested state election. Unfortunately, Dr Wells was narrowly defeated by Labor in the fall of the Thompson government. However, unflappable as ever, Dr Wells returned in 1985 to recontest his local seat, this time winning with an almost 10 per cent primary swing.

Dr Wells was thought well of by his parliamentary colleagues, and he was known for his attention to examining the details of legislation in the interests of his constituents. They described him as calm, intelligent and a dedicated local member. I would like to remember Dr Wells by sharing a quote from his maiden speech, and I think it is a sentiment as pertinent today as it was nearly 40 years ago in 1985:

Time is short. The next decade will show whether we Victorians have the common sense, the wit and the wisdom to really grasp these two great truths and commit ourselves to them: Sell more product; educate every Victorian. The alternative is unthinkable.

Dr Wells is survived by his wife Janette and his children Katherine, Clare, Michael and Paul, and my thoughts are with them at this tragic time. Rest in peace.