PM Transcripts

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
DEATH OF SIR ROBERT REX OF NIUE
I have today sent the following message of condolence t t he Acting Premier of Niue, the
Hon Young Vivian, following the death on II December of Sir Robert Rex, Premier of
Niuc since self govcrnment in 1974:
I was saddened to learn of the death on 11 December of Sir Robert Rex. Please
pass on my sincere personal condolences, and those of the Australian Government
and pcople, to Lady Rex and her family and to the Government and people of Niuc
on this unhappy occasion.
With Sir Robert's passing, not only has Niue lost one of its founding fathers but the
South Pacific region as a whole has lost one of its elder statesmen and most
eminent leaders. He was an active participant in the South Pacific Forum from its
inception in 1971.
I was privileged to meet Sir Robert during his official visit to Australia in January
this year and again at the South Pacific Forum in July in Honiara. Sir Robert's
father was an Australian and I was particularly struck by his undoubted pride in his
Australian connection. I was also very impressed by his wisc and constructive
perspective on regional affairs. Australia has lost a special friend.
Australia will be represented at Sir Robert's funeral on 14 December by the High
Commissioner to New Zealand, Mr Rob Laurie.
CANBERRA 13 Dcccmber 1992