I was particularly saddened to learn of the death earlier today of former Senator and Labor Government Minister Peter Cook.
He courageously fought the cancer which ultimately claimed his life. To his wife Barbara and other members of his family I extend the sympathy of myself, my wife Janette and Members of the Government.
Peter Cook had a very successful, varied and accomplished career both in the Trade Union Movement and the Australian Labor Party.
The highlights of his career were his service as a Minister in different portfolios within the Labor Governments of the Hawke-Keating period.
For the time that he was Minister for Industrial Relations I was his opposite number. He held tenaciously to his beliefs on issues within this portfolio. I respected him both for this and the strength of advocacy of his position.
Mr Cook's widow Barbara has indicated that she and the family will accept the Government's offer of a State Funeral.