Page 3191 - Week 10 - Thursday, 25 September 2014
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We are especially touched by Kurt’s tragic loss because of his young age and his very bright future. Age 25 is simply too young. He was an active and enthusiastic member of the Labor Party. Those that knew him well predicted that one day he too would be asked to represent the community on behalf of that party. Not only did he contribute substantially to the Labor Party here in Canberra; he volunteered his time to other Labor offices across the country and was a truly dedicated advocate for his party. The sentiments that we have heard from the federal parliament are a testament to the impact he had beyond our Canberra community.
Kurt had been looking forward to his trip for some time, a well-deserved break for a young man so dedicated to his work—as many have said, the trip of a lifetime. Kurt died while travelling overseas, adventuring in South America. The paths that young people take as they journey around the world are well worn, and young Australians are particularly drawn towards these adventurous journeys. They are not always safe, but then life is not always safe. Not one of us would wish that our young people did not set off on these life-changing journeys. They are almost a rite of passage. But I think we assume our friends and family will return safely, so we are jolted and shaken when we hear news like we heard just a few weeks ago, that a terrible accident has happened and that someone we know and care about has been involved.
On behalf of all the staff in my office, myself and the Greens party across Canberra, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Kurt’s family—his parents Jayne and Philip, his brother Chris and his sister Yasmin. It is impossible to find the words to console you. The loss of such a fine young man who had so much to look forward to must leave an aching hole in your hearts. Our condolences go also to Kurt’s friends and those in the Labor Party both here and across the country who knew Kurt and will miss his bright, warm personality and the contribution that he made to the Labor cause.
To Andrew and all the staff in his office and right across the Labor team in the Assembly, who I know are hurting and carrying the pain of this loss, we know and understand the friendships and trust that are required to work in a political office. We understand how these relationships are forged through an intense work environment and a shared passion. Your colleagues become your second family. We understand that Kurt was an integral part of your team and we have been and are thinking of you during this very difficult time. The gap left by the loss of someone so young and bright is vast and often hard to comprehend. We offer our deepest condolences to you all.
MS PORTER (Ginninderra): I would like to express my condolences to Kurt’s family and his friends and to just add a few words. The last day in August was a particularly sunny Sunday morning. I was with my family watching one of my granddaughters play in an Aussie Rules semi-final at Greenway. The siren had just blown and the young women and their families were ecstatic, as they had made it through to the grand final in their first-ever season of playing AFL together.
However, in a moment my world was about to change, as it has changed for all of us in this place and for so many. We were walking towards the team to congratulate them when my husband Ian took a call from Pierre Huetter, who is known to many
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