Prime Minister
Australia loved Bert.
There will never be another like him.
Bert came into our homes and made himself very welcome. He was a regular guest and we always looked forward to his next visit.
Four Gold Logies, hosting the Logies on 20 occasions and entertaining Australians for over half a century.
Bert Newton was from the golden era of television when we all seemed to watch the same thing. They were the times of variety programs on TV “the King” Graham Kennedy, Don Lane, Mike Walsh, Jeannie Little and Daryl on Hey Hey!
There was a familiarity that connected us to Bert, but it also connected us to each other. We could laugh together. That was his gift.
Bert could give and take a joke. He could laugh at himself, I’m sure that’s what made Australians warm to him as much as we did. Even when a joke misfired, he had that ability to scramble in a way that made us laugh, and put everyone at ease.
Australians also understood his steadfast love of Patti, and her steadfast strength.
To Patti and the family, Jen and I send our love, and we send the country’s love as well.