Page 2657 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 26 September 2007

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can only wonder in a profession where one’s full powers are normally not attained until later in life what heights he might have subsequently reached as a jurist.

Today, I am able to announce that Dr Helen Watchirs has accepted the government’s offer of a state funeral for Justice Connolly, the first state funeral to be conducted in this jurisdiction since self-government.

On behalf of the government, I offer my most sincere and most profound condolences to Dr Watchirs and to the couple’s daughters, Lara and Maddy. Our thoughts will fly to them again and again during this difficult time. I only wish that such thoughts could confirm some tangible sign of comfort.

MRS BURKE (Molonglo): Firstly, Mr Speaker with the indulgence of yourself and the house, I would like to read a statement from the Leader of the Opposition, Bill Stefaniak, who is currently attending the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s conference in New Delhi.

It is with great sadness that I have received the news … of the untimely death of Justice Terry Connolly.

Terry and I first met when he entered the ACT Legislative Assembly after the retirement of Paul Whalan in 1990.

Terry quickly established himself as a formidable member of the Assembly. He was a most competent member and minister, serving in a great variety of roles including as Attorney-General.

He was a man of great breadth and intellect. He was a most capable opponent but always an absolute gentleman to deal with.

Terry was a caring, compassionate and friendly man and I regarded him as not just a colleague but as a friend.

Terry left the Assembly to serve as Master of the ACT Supreme Court and in a short period established himself as an extremely competent Master respected by all.

I was delighted to see him appointed to the bench of the Supreme Court where as the result of his legal ability, common sense, decency and practicality, he soon became, in my view, the best judge in the court and one of the best judges in the ACT Supreme Court since its inception.

For such and decent a capable man to be cut short in his prime is a tragedy. I will miss him immensely.

To his wife, Helen, and his daughters, Lara and Maddy, whom he loved dearly, my wife, family and I extend our deepest sympathies. Terry will be sorely missed, not only by the legal profession and his former Assembly colleagues, but by the wider Canberra community which he served so well. Our prayers are with his family in this very sad time.

Mr Stefaniak’s statement ends.


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