All who knew the Hon Michael MacKellar AM will mourn his passing.
Michael MacKellar was Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1975-1979) and Minister for Health (1979-1982) in the Fraser Government.
As Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, he oversaw the placement of tens of thousands of Vietnamese who were fleeing communism.
The positive influence on our country of the Vietnamese who arrived under his watch and their descendants is his legacy.
Michael MacKellar was my predecessor as Member for Warringah and held the seat for a record 25 years.
When I became Member for Warringah in 1994, I was aware of the big shoes I had to fill.
Mike made friends easily. He had a natural charm and a strong intellect. He stood for the humane and the decent.
Mike’s success in public life was a reflection of his capacity to find common ground.
He was also a natural optimist. In January, when we last caught up, Mike was spritely and engaged, despite his illness.
Mike will be missed.
On behalf of the Government – as well as the people of Warringah – I extend my sympathies to his partner Pamela as well as his children, Cameron, Duncan and Maggie and his grandchildren.
9 May 2015