Tributes are flowing for Labor senator and stalwart Alex Gallacher, who has died after an almost two-year battle with lung cancer.
Key points:
- Senator Gallacher died on Sunday at the age of 67
- Parliamentary colleagues from both sides have praised his hard-working ethos
- Labor leader Anthony Albanese said Senator Gallacher dedicated his life to working people
Senator Gallagher was 67, and "passed away peacefully" on Sunday, a statement released by SA Labor leader Peter Malinauskas said.
The former truck driver and unionist, who was born in Scotland, was first elected to the Senate in 2010.
He was subsequently re-elected in 2016 and 2019, representing South Australia.
"He was born in Scotland on the first day of 1954 and came to Australia 12 years later with his parents, like so many migrants, to seek a better life," federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese said.
"Alex dedicated his life to the interests of working people, both as a trade unionist and as a senator."
Before his time in Parliament, Senator Gallacher worked as a truck driver and labourer, joining the Transport Workers' Union in 1988, and becoming secretary and treasurer of its SA and NT branch in 1996.
He is survived by his wife and four children, as well as grandchildren.
"Alex was also a family man who was dedicated to his wife Paola and also to his children and grandchildren."
In a statement, Senator Gallacher's family said he would be "fondly remembered by everyone he crossed paths with" and "missed dearly".
"Alex was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2019 and battled with courage until the very end," they said.
"Our family takes great comfort and pride that his legacy in the Senate has in some way contributed to the progress of our nation."
The SA Labor leader described Senator Gallacher as a "long-serving and dedicated member of the ALP".
"Transport workers could hardly have had a better friend, ally, and advocate in the Australia Parliament," Mr Malinauskas said.
AAP: Alan Porritt
)Senate and ALP colleague Penny Wong praised his determination to remain in Parliament despite his ill-health.
"Alex's fragile health as a consequence of his cancer diagnosis was widely known. However, this does not make the news of his passing any easier," she said.
His political adversaries have also expressed their condolences, with Liberal senator and Finance Minister Simon Birmingham expressing sadness at the death of a "straight shooter".
"Alex was proudly of the old school Labor mould," Senator Birmingham said.
"We were colleagues in the Senate for over a decade and from his first speech Alex remained loyal to his word and strived to be true to his Labor values.
"He took his love for the transport sector into the Australian Parliament, particularly his staunch advocacy for road safety and fierce interest in the rights of workers in the aviation industry."
During his time in politics, Senator Gallacher served as chair on several parliamentary committees, including on foreign affairs, trade and economics.
He was deputy chair of the Joint Select Committee on Road Safety.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMibmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIxLTA4LTMwL3NhLWxhYm9yLXNlbmF0b3ItYWxleC1nYWxsYWNoZXItZGllcy1hZnRlci1sdW5nLWNhbmNlci1iYXR0bGUvMTAwNDE4ODc20gEoaHR0cHM6Ly9hbXAuYWJjLm5ldC5hdS9hcnRpY2xlLzEwMDQxODg3Ng?oc=5
2021-08-30 04:53:29Z
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