Mr TARZIA (Hartley) (14:20): I also rise today to support the motion and offer my sincere condolences to the Whyte family. When I think of the Hon. Arthur Whyte, I think of three things: (1) family, (2) South Australia, and (3) community. As we have heard today, it was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of this wonderful man who was born in 1921 in the Flinders Ranges and worked as a station overseer before becoming a farmer on Eyre Peninsula.
As we have heard, he also served in the Second World War. He was one of the Rats of Tobruk. He went on to become a member of the South Australian Legislative Council from 1966 to 1985, including as President for almost eight years. He played a key role in the passage of much legislation, especially the Maralinga land rights legislation. He was a fantastic contributor to this place and certainly a powerful advocate for regional South Australia.
I believe that the best life you can lead is one spent in the service of others. I think for the Hon. Mr Whyte that was certainly the case. I have had a lot more to do with his son, Martin, and also Jeremy, his grandson, who went to school with me. One thing I will say about Jeremy is that he was extremely proud of his grandfather, and why would you not be proud of a grandfather like Arthur Whyte? He was a wonderful citizen. He was a family man, he always gave back to his community and he put his state first after those two things in that order. I pay tribute to him, I pay tribute to his life and I offer my sincere condolences to his friends and family. May Mr Whyte rest in peace.
