Hansard
Tuesday, 22nd June 2021
Statements By Members
Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Leader of the Opposition) (13:57): Like so many Australians, I was greatly saddened to learn of the death of my friend Mike Bailey. He was so much more than just a fixture on the nightly TV. As he appeared each night to tell us what the weather had in store, he was a reassuring presence, someone you just knew was a decent man. Along the way he shared his wisdom as a journalism lecturer. He fulfilled another of his passions as chairman of Wests Tigers. He was the chair of Wests Ashfield, a club that has contributed, under his leadership, literally millions of dollars over the years to community based organisations and to schools in the local area, including Ashfield Boys High School. He would want me to put on the record that he was passionate about Western Suburbs Magpies. And I'm pleased to say that he even ran as a Labor candidate for North Sydney against Joe Hockey in the 2007 election. It was a noble cause. Mike got a respectable swing but not enough, and that's a pity because he would've been a wonderful addition to this place. He was a gentleman, a mentor, a friend. He was loyal, generous, warm hearted, funny and wise. He was a wonderful broadcaster. I am so sorry that he has left us today. On behalf of the Australian Labor Party and, I'm sure, the whole parliament, I offer my condolences to Mike's wife, Helena, and their son, Michael. May he rest in peace.
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese, ALP, Canberra.