Private Members' Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (12:15): In early November 2017 I had breakfast with the former general manager of Campbelltown Council, Mr Paul Tosi. We shared some laughs and some old stories, and we swapped notes on the latest political machinations and events. As was always the case, Paul beamed with pride as he spoke about his family, especially his grandchildren. It was very much like old times. As we departed, we made a commitment to catch up for a Chinese meal with two other dear friends in early December. We had similar engagements in the past and I was looking forward to catching up with Paul again.

Unfortunately that dinner appointment was one that Paul could not attend. Sadly and prematurely, Paul was taken from us on 23 November 2017, aged 70. Life can be so kind in bringing in people like Paul into our lives, yet it can also be so cruel in taking the people we care about so early. If nominations were called for the State's best council general manager, Paul Tosi would win in a canter—not least because no-one would dare to nominate against him. Managing the affairs of local government for an area as large as Campbelltown is complex; managing 15 councillors is near impossible but Paul Tosi did it with ease, with a smile and with unsurpassed passion.

I was honoured to serve 12 years on Campbelltown Council, including a term as mayor. During those years Paul was always generous with sharing his time with me and he provided his company and counsel when I most needed it. He knew the intricacies of government like the back of his hand. He had the ears of the major players, and he had respect. Indeed, the respect and esteem that was afforded to Paul in life was also reflected at his funeral on 30 November 2017. All levels of government were represented, as were the many layers of the Campbelltown community Paul had served so diligently. I found the guard of honour performed by council's own staff in front of their administration building on Queen Street particularly touching. While Paul moved with premiers, Ministers, members of Parliament and other general managers, he was first and foremost a champion of his staff, and in particular his outdoor staff. He knew them all and was happiest when at the Minto depot catching up with them.

Paul was proud of Campbelltown. As far as Paul was concerned only the best would do for the town he called home. The epitaph on the grave of the famous English architect Sir Christopher Wren, who designed St Pauls Cathedral, reads: "… si monumentum requiris, circumspice." That Latin phrase translates to: If you are searching for his monument, look around. That epitaph applies equally to Paul Tosi. He left the city with a first‑class athletic stadium and a football stadium, a wonderful arts centre and an impressive Ingleburn library and community centre. The list goes on but, more importantly, Paul instilled in Campbelltown citizens a sense of pride in their city and their home. For a city that has, at times, been on the receiving end of unfair and unflattering publicity, the importance of those sentiments cannot be over emphasised.

The appropriateness of Wren's epitaph is not limited to Paul's work as Campbelltown Council's general manager. Paul's greatest achievement and his most treasured monument was, and always will be, his family. I am honoured today to present these words with his family in the gallery. No conversation with Paul could go for any length of time without him mentioning his wife, Denise; his children, Michael, Belinda and Katrina; and his grandchildren, Luke, Connor and Sean. Paul's concern and love for his wife and his family knew no bounds.

For him, they were central to everything, whether it was a family holiday to Disneyland, coffee at Macarthur Square, or watching his grandson Luke swing a golf club. At our breakfast in November, Paul showed me a video on his iPhone of his grandson Luke giving a speech at school on Grandparents Day about how special his grandparents were to him. Paul's face could not have been filled with any more pride and joy. He was never happier or more content than when he was with his family or talking about them.

I dare say that Campbelltown and the council will never again see the likes of Paul Tosi. He was a one‑off, a very special man who touched and impacted on the lives of others. Campbelltown has lost a champion and I have lost a dear friend. In my electorate office, I have pinned Paul's funeral service booklet on the noticeboard above my desk. His smiling photo reminds me of the importance of honourable public service and makes me remember all the good times we had together. To Denise and Paul's family, I offer my sincerest condolences on your loss. May Paul rest in peace and may his memory live on forever in our hearts.

Mrs MELINDA PAVEY ( Oxley—Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight) (12:20): I acknowledge the moving contribution from the member for Macquarie Fields. Clearly Mr Tosi was an important man to the member and to the communities of Western Sydney. I thank Denise and their family for sharing him with the people of New South Wales. In relation to Mr Tosi, I refer to a quote of Christopher Wren, "If you are searching for his monument, look around." Campbelltown has lost a favourite son.