Thursday, 17 October 2024

 Anthony CARBINES (Ivanhoe – Minister for Police, Minister for Crime Prevention, Minister for Racing) (10:14): I rise to give thanks to the life of Pete Steedman. Alan Peter Steedman died aged 80 in July, and a celebration of his life was held at Trades Hall last month. Pete was the federal member for Casey from 1983 to 1984, the first term of the new Hawke Labor government. The Honourable Gareth Evans was among those to share reminiscences and to roast Pete at that memorial service.

He had a diverse career. As a university student Pete was editor of Farrago at Melbourne University and later editor of Lot’s Wife at Monash University. His leadership as executive director of Ausmusic from 1988 to 1996 provided great support for the Australian music industry. He also led the challenging policy work to support timber workers in past state Labor administrations.

I have no regrets voting for Pete for preselection for Jaga Jaga back in 1995 for the 1996 federal election. While unsuccessful in that endeavour, Pete was a good friend and mentor throughout my first 33 years in the Labor Party and political life. I will miss seeing the old blue Merc with a PS registration plate cruising around my Ivanhoe electorate where Pete lived.

Many years ago I would make the annual pilgrimage to Pete’s place at Hurstbridge with other true believers for the Guy Fawkes night event. Be assured, Pete had a suitable effigy of someone who had crossed him, his friends or workers to put atop the bonfire every year. Many of those attendees went on to lead our country, to serve Labor governments or to lead the labour movement. Pete was a loyal friend to many, generous to all and a fierce advocate for working people. Vale, Pete Steedman.