Condolence Motion
STANLEY ALFRED JAMES KNOWLES
Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (15:24): I move:
That this House extends to the family the deep sympathy of members of the Legislative Assembly in the loss sustained by the death, on 30 December 2017, of Stanley Alfred James Knowles, a former member of the Legislative Assembly.
This afternoon I pay my respects to the former member for Ingleburn and the first member for Macquarie Fields, Mr Stan Knowles, who passed away on 30 December 2017. Stan was a member of this place from 19 September 1981 to 11 October 1990, a total of nine years and 23 days. I make this speech and pay my respects to Stan in the presence of his widow, Marie; his son Craig, himself a former member and senior Cabinet Minister; Craig's wife, Liz; and their son, Hamish. I offer to all of them my heartfelt condolences at their loss.
Any reflection on Stan's life must commence with the observation that, first and foremost, Stan Knowles was a family man. He loved his wife, Marie. Together for over 60 years they were a team—a very formidable one at that—in every aspect of their life. They were devoted to each other and their children, Brent and Craig. Later, Stan was a doting father-in-law to Janice and Liz; grandfather to Jase, Lauren, Hillary, Hamish and Lucinda; and great-grandfather to Bodhi. He greatly enjoyed family life and was very proud of his family. Stan was also a much-loved and respected friend to many. This was attested to by the large group that gathered on 8 January at Leppington at his funeral.
I note the funeral was attended by former Premier Barrie Unsworth and a large number of current and former members of Parliament [MPs], both Federal and State. In making these remarks today, I note that I am fortunate to have known Stan Knowles personally. Further, I counted Stan Knowles as a dear friend and mentor. In political terms Stan Knowles was a natural. He had a wonderful natural smile and a friendly disposition. Stan could walk into any pub and make friends immediately, and walk any street and come out with five new sign locations and, like all effective Labor MPs, a few more new branch members. He was also a natural doorknocker.
Perhaps Stan's natural ability to deal with people and make friends came from his hard upbringing in and around Burwood and his varied working life. Like many of his generation, Stan left school at 15 years and entered the workforce. Again like most, Stan did whatever it took to earn a dollar—a quid in those days—to get by. Although this is not an exhaustive list, Stan did everything from selling oranges to making Bianchi bikes, butchering, driving heavy equipment, greenkeeping and taxidriving. Only after all this experience and work did Stan enter politics, at first as an alderman on Liverpool council and then as a member of Parliament.
During his term as a local member, Stan was a staunch community advocate and fighter. He never took a backward step and never compromised on his values. During his term, the East Hills rail link to Campbelltown was built, as was the Henderson Road overbridge at Ingleburn, Glenquarie Senior Citizens hall and Macquarie Fields fire station. Stan also worked extremely hard to protect Hurlstone Agricultural High School from urban development—a fight I am proud to carry on today. Indeed, Stan's fight to save Hurlstone earnt him the Hurlstone medal of honour and a citation certificate. The 1983 citation from Hurlstone says a lot about Stan. It reads:
For spearheading the coordinating all the efforts to save Hurlstone from becoming a housing estate in 1982, and in so doing displaying outstanding political courage in constantly lobbying a Cabinet Committee of six Ministers, and being prepared to stand up against the leaders of his own Party for the sake of Hurlstone.
I have Stan's medal, which was given to him by the school, with me. It says a lot about Stan that he received that recognition from his local school. I hope that I have done Stan proud in my ongoing fight to save Hurlstone from opposition from all parts of the political sphere. Stan and Marie's work—because they were a team—at the Liverpool South branch of the Australian Labor Party [ALP] for more than 30 years is the stuff of legend and revered in Labor history. Has there ever been a more formidable duo? Their involvement with the community and Liverpool South branch over such a long period formed valuable and enduring friendships.
It was said at the funeral: "If Stan considered you a friend, it was a friend for life." Never has a truer word been spoken. I was delighted to see families such as the Glynns, the Neales, the Amalfis, the Pantaleos, the Habibs, the Vitoccos, the Gauchis and the Tulichs at Stan's funeral. To Stan, a person's word and handshake was as good as any contract—he was very much old school. With regard to my election to this place, I greatly valued Stan's 100 per cent support and endorsement. I am proud to say that one of my very first acts as an endorsed Labor candidate was to seek Stan's endorsement in a leaflet and to have my photograph taken with him. I knew only too well that Stan's name next to mine was a bonus.
The leaflet spoke about standing up for one's community and doing what is right by them each and every time—no matter the opposition, no matter the issue. Stan's endorsement is a constant reminder that I must continue his high standard of public service and community advocacy. I could go on and on about Stan—about his sporting prowess as a boxer and footballer, his knack for giving anything and everything a go, his love of singing, his commitment to the Liverpool senior citizens and so on—but I can do no better to summarise Stan than to use Marie's own words that were read out on 8 January. She said:
Stan doesn't need pats on the back nor accolades ... just to be remembered ... simply as a good and decent man who tried to help those less fortunate.
I will miss knocking on the big green door of room number 37 at Durham Green Retirement Village where Stan and I would have our regular catch-ups and conversations over a milkshake—strawberry, of course, was his favourite. Naturally for two members for Macquarie Fields, the conversation would turn to politics. I would update him on my local campaigns, the changes that were happening in our area and, of course, about how badly the New South Wales Liberal-Nationals Government was doing, on which we were in total agreement. Stan will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. May my dear friend, role model and mentor rest in peace.
The ASSISTANT SPEAKER: I acknowledge and welcome to the gallery Stan's widow, Marie Knowles, who I first met scrutineering at the Gosford or The Entrance by-election—we argued then. Stan was the former member for Macquarie Fields and we were sworn into this House on the same day. I also acknowledge and welcome the Hon. Craig Knowles, his wife, Liz, and their son Hamish. Welcome to the Parliament. It is a sad day but I offer my condolences to you and all of Stan's mates.
Mr LUKE FOLEY (Auburn) (15:32): I knew Stan Knowles, albeit not all that well. For me Stan Knowles personified the very best qualities of old Labor, and I mean that as the sincerest compliment. He was staunch, loyal and humble. He believed the role of a Labor member of Parliament [MP] was to help people. He never forgot where he came from. He always remembered that he started as a schoolboy running messages up and down Burwood Road for the starting price bookie. He never forgot the class he came from and the class that a Labor MP should always strive to represent and advance the interests of.
I have seen some formidable husband and wife duos in the Labor Party—I think of Don and Maggie Bowman and, in more recent times, Anthony Albanese and Carmel Tebbutt—but I have never seen a more formidable husband and wife combination inside the Labor Party than Stan and Marie Knowles.
Stan and Marie respectively served as President and Secretary of the Liverpool South branch of the Labor Party for 33 years straight. You will note that Marie never trusted Stan with the books, so she was always secretary and he was the president. Anyone who made the mistake of taking on Marie whilst scrutineering would not make that mistake twice! I tried it myself, as a very young man in the Labor Party, in some long-forgotten contest. I learned the hard way; I did not repeat the error.
Stan and Marie were a great combination over decades. Stan was a true Labor man: I cannot deliver a finer compliment than that. He represented, for me, the very finest traditions of the old Labor Party at its best—rooted in localism and in genuine representation of local working-class communities, in which the member of Parliament would never be above those people but would live and work amongst them every single hour of every single day. I offer my condolences to Marie, Craig, Brent and all of Stan's family. May this good man rest in peace.
Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown) (15:35): I am honoured to speak on this condolence motion for Mr Stan Knowles, a legend in his own right. I acknowledge in the gallery Marie, Craig and his wife, Liz, their son, Hamish, and their adopted son, Mr Aaron Rule, my good friend. It is an honour to be here today with you to speak about Stan.
Sometimes in life one finds oneself in situations that are like standing on a cliff facing a raging storm. At such times there are certain people who will always be there, standing at one's shoulder—and for many, many people, Stan Knowles was the person who would always be there. I did not know Stan well, but I certainly knew the strength of his character and loyalty. He was a man of solidarity, who embodied the values of our great party.
Stan passed away on 30 December 2017. He was 86 years old and had a life filled with joy, love and achievement. I was privileged and honoured to be at Stan's funeral, along with my colleague the member for Macquarie Fields and many other people. The feeling in that room was, of course, one of sadness but also of celebration for the life of a man who gave so much to his community, to his family and to the Labor Party. But what stood out most of all was his love for his home and his family, including his children and his grandchildren. Stan married Marie on 11 June 1955, and they had two sons, Brent and Craig.
I love hearing the stories about the Liverpool South branch meetings. Our Labor leader Luke Foley would know more about that. The iron-clad commitment that Marie and Stan had to that branch was formidable. The length of time I have been in the Labor Party—almost 20 years—can be represented by a drop in the ocean compared to that of a family which has been entrenched in the heart of the cause of our great party.
Stan was educated at Burwood Primary School and Ashfield Boys High School and became a small business owner. He was an alderman of Liverpool City Council from 1976 to 1982, where he was deputy mayor from 1980 to 1982. Stan was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly in September 1981, serving in Parliament for nine years before resigning as the member for Macquarie Fields in 1990. He was a stalwart at that time—staunch in every way. I often use the phrase "no steps backwards" in this House, because I have learnt the virtue of standing firm. Stan epitomised that notion.
Stan was succeeded by his son, Craig, who was elected in the 1990 by-election, went on to serve as Minister for Health and is currently—I congratulate him for it—the Consul-General of Australia in Auckland. Stan was a lifelong member of the Australian Labor Party and gave back to his community as the President of the Liverpool and Districts Senior Citizens Progress Committee, Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Bicentennial Community Sub-Committee, Convenor of Senior Citizens Week Activities from 1980 to 1987 and patron of a number of sporting and social clubs throughout the Ingleburn area.
I love hearing some of the more intimate stories about Stan—his love of strawberry milk, his singing and the good times they had when branch members and community members rallied down the side of his home to sign the attendance book or just to say g'day and have a cup of tea. Whatever they were doing, I am sure a good time was had by all!
As I said before, Stan's greatest pride was in his family. I really felt for the family at that celebration of Stan's life because we never get used to losing, from this world, those who are very close to us. I think a piece of us goes with the person whom we love so dearly—a piece that can never, ever be replaced. There are many words that can be used to describe someone's character but I will reflect on Stan's life in terms of his public representation. I was talking earlier to Aaron about the East Hills to Glenfield rail line, and he said it was like the opening of the Harbour Bridge—a celebration of a great achievement. It was advocated for, and achieved, by a great man. Stan was also there to cut the ribbon for the citizens hall at Glenquarie. But neither of those things come close to epitomising Stan, and his character, which was marked by solidarity and loyalty. He stood staunch for every man, woman and child, and for the love of his family.
Earlier today I was reading something by the late Martin Luther King. He said:
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
When I hear the stories about Stan fighting for people in his community I think that that quote embodies everything about Stan's life. I send my deepest condolences to Stan's family and his very close friends. Our community lost an invaluable person; his family lost a loving man, who cared for them greatly; and our great party lost one of its finest sons.
Mr PAUL SCULLY (Wollongong) (15:43): At the outset, on behalf of my wife Alison and me, I extend condolences to Marie, Craig, Liz, Brent, Hamish and adopted son Aaron Rule. We know all of you held a special place in Stan's heart. Unfortunately, neither Alison nor I was able to attend the funeral earlier this year. We were sorry that we missed it: It sounds as if great respect was paid to Stan, which is fantastic. I also thank the member for Macquarie Fields for putting this motion before the House. It is important that we take time to reflect on the successes of those who have gone before us and to acknowledge the great warriors for our cause and for our party.
Neither Alison nor I knew Stan when he served in this place but we learned pretty quickly of his reputation when, at different times, we both worked for different members for Werriwa.
We learned pretty quickly of the level of respect the community had for their former alderman and local member. We learned pretty quickly of the level of respect and esteem with which he was held in the broader Labor family of south-west Sydney. We learned pretty quickly just how respected and dedicated he still was to the party that he served at local government and State Government levels. We learned pretty quickly that with Stan, it was a two-for-the-price-of-one deal because we got Marie as well, and we were better for it.
During this debate we have learned from the member who represents the suburb of Ingleburn, the member for Campbelltown, and the member for Macquarie Fields about some of Stan's successes and achievements as an alderman over the 14 years he represented his community proudly and strongly. When Alison and I first visited that area at different times, people described to each of us the type of representative Stan was. The expression that most people used to describe him was "old school", which was most apt. Stan was an old school representative of his community. He was of his community, from his community and he always did his very best for his community—values that all members of this House aspire to have during our parliamentary service. Stan's activism and commitment were grounded in the community he represented and most certainly was grounded in the Liverpool South branch of the Labor Party.
It was through working with the Liverpool South branch that I first met Stan and Marie. As we have heard—and it comes as no surprise—between them they ended up running the branch as president and secretary respectively for more than 30 years. Alison and I run a branch together but we have not yet hit anywhere close to 30 years, and I do not think we will match that record. Stan knew that branch inside and out. He knew every member, he knew their families, and he knew the history of the branch. It was from Stan and Marie that I grew to understand some of the branch's history. I appreciated the time they gave to outlining that history to me. Stan put service above self and his community benefited from it, so much so that the next generation of the family continued the job.
We can see that Stan's influence is reflected in this House in the member for Campbelltown but more particularly the member for Macquarie Fields. His influence also was reflected in a former councillor and Mayor of the Campbelltown City Council, Aaron Rule, who is present in the gallery. Stan has never been far from their minds. I know that Stan is never far from the mind of the member for Macquarie Fields. As other members who have preceded me in this debate have said, the best word to sum up Stan Knowles is "staunch", which is pretty high praise from members of the Labor Party. As we pay tribute to Stan and the commitment he made to the Labor Party as well as to his community, I acknowledge on the record that we would not be doing that today but for the contribution of Marie also. I thank both Stan and Marie.
Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG ( acquarie Fields) (15:47): In reply: I thank members who are present in the Chamber for their attendance this afternoon. I particularly express my appreciation to my friends and colleagues the Leader of the Opposition, the member for Campbelltown and the member for Wollongong for their fine and fitting words. The days of Donegal suits and two-tone shoes have passed, but so has my friend and mentor, Stan. While his fashion sense may have been a thing of days long gone, the values by which Stan lived and the values he brought to this House are very much alive to this day—values such as decency, honesty and fairness and, above all else, loyalty.
In today's political environment, when the level of public mistrust continues to increase, those personal characteristics are now more important than ever. I feel very honoured to have moved the motion and spoken during debate, which are an appropriate and fitting bookend to Stan's honourable parliamentary career. To Marie, Craig, Liz and Hamish, who are present in the gallery, and to Brent and Janice who hopefully are live streaming, your loss is shared by many. May Stan rest in peace.
Motion agreed to.
Members and officers of the House stood in their places as a mark of respect.
