Today we lost a giant of the labour movement, a staunch advocate for the people of Shortland and a proud Hunter-ite - Peter Morris.
Peter came into federal politics at a time of great change – elected with the Whitlam wave of 1972. He brought with him the values of fairness, decency, and a determination to make government work for ordinary Australians.
For him, politics was about real life – whether a family could put a roof over their head, whether the lake was clean enough to swim in, whether older Australians could live with dignity.
Over more than a quarter of a century as a representative he made an enduring contribution to public life.
He was a Minister, a committee chair, a fierce advocate for transport reform.
Newcastle Airport would not exist without Peter Morris’s leadership and vision.
He worked hard to implement the Labor Government’s commitment to make all forms of transport more competitive, efficient and reliable.
In what was, at the time, the largest civil works program in Australia’s history, he oversaw the upgrade of 16,000 kilometres of national highway.
He introduced legislation to reform the interstate trucking industry, revitalised the railways and opened up commercial aviation by terminating the Two Airline Agreement.
For Peter, these projects weren’t just about trucks, trains and planes.
In July 1986 he became the first transport Minister to drive the full length of the Bruce Highway from Brisbane to Cairns.
The 1700 kilometer trip took almost a week, and he drove a regular family sedan.
Before he took off he explained that for him, these projects are about bringing Australians together -
“Good roads are more than just a strip of bitumen. They bring tourists, help industry and create jobs.”
He was well known for his work to improve the lives of seafarers.
Through the “Ships of Shame” report he brought to light the appalling conditions endured by seafarers on international shipping routes.
His work didn’t just change policy, it changed lives.
But above all else, he was a tireless advocate for the people of Shortland.
Peter made a significant and enduring contribution to the Hunter and the Nation, and he will be deeply missed.
Quotes attributable to former Member for Shortland, Jill Hall:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Peter, he supported me, he was my friend, my confidant and mentor.
“Peter was devoted to Shortland Electorate, Newcastle and the Hunter and most importantly he was devoted to the people he represented.
“He knew that decisions he and the government made impacted on and changed people’s lives.
“Our region and Australia has lost a true warrior, and who fought for it and loved it – he will be greatly missed.”