PRIME MINISTER 125/ 93
DEATH OF JUSTIN O'BYRNE
It was with considerable sadness I learned today of the death of Justin OByrne, the
former President of the Senate.
Justin O'Byrne was a remarkable Australian. A fighter pilot and a prisoner of war in
World War 11, he continued his service to the nation as Senator for Tasmania for the
extraordinary period of 34 years, until 1981.
He had a typically Australian streak of larrikin in him, which threw into relief and made
more effective his great commitment to social justice. Even before that phrase had
been coined, Justin OByrne understood and gave voice to the principles which the
term sums up.
His service as a Senator was capped by his election to the position of President, in
which he served with vigour and distinction during the Whitlam Government, a
challenging and tumultuous period for one in his position.
Justin O'Byrne's contributions to debate inside and outside the Senate were always
lively, but he managed to attract friends wherever he went. We will all miss him now.
SYDNEY, November, 1993
Keating, Paul
Period of Service: 20/12/1991 - 11/03/1996
Find more information on Keating, Paul on the:
Release Date:
10/11/1993
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
9032
Document:
00009032.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Keating, Paul John
DEATH OF JUSTIN O`BRYNE
9032