ADJOURNMENT
Ms McBAIN (Eden-Monaro—Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories and Minister for Emergency Management) (13:13): As the member for Eden-Monaro, I'd like to take the opportunity to reflect on the life of James Henry Snow, known to us all as Jim, a dedicated public servant, a community advocate and, of course, the former federal Labor member for Eden-Monaro.
Jim passed away on 18 September 2025 at Wollongong Hospital, three days after his 91st birthday. Born on 15 September 1934 in the Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills, Jim graduated from the Victorian College of Pharmacy. His professional life was as diverse as it was committed, working not only as a pharmacist but as a goat farmer and a community worker with the Queanbeyan City Council.
Jim's political journey began in November 1957, when he joined the Footscray North branch of the Australian Labor Party in Victoria on the same night as future minister Ralph Willis. Over the years, Jim was an active member of ALP branches across Victoria, the ACT, New South Wales and, most recently, the Wollongong branch. He was a life member of the Australian Labor Party, a testament to his enduring commitment to Labor values and to community service.
Jim first contested the seat of Eden-Monaro in 1980. He was successfully elected in 1983. He went on to serve the region with distinction through four subsequent elections in 1984, 1987, 1990 and 1993.
He was the 763rd member of the House of Representatives, the eighth representative for Eden-Monaro, and he served for 12 years, 11 months and 27 days from 5 March 1983 to 2 March 1996. Throughout his parliamentary career, Jim was known as a kind, gentle and principled man, deeply respected across the political spectrum. His unwavering focus on community needs and his ability to bring people together made him a beloved figure across Eden-Monaro and beyond.
Jim's contribution extended far beyond his time in parliament, though. He was a passionate advocate for multicultural and Indigenous causes, serving as the convenor of Queanbeyan People for Peace, the vice-president of the Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation and a member of Home In Queanbeyan, which provides accommodation and care for people living with mental illness.
In 1992, he moved a private member's motion that the parliament deal with drug related crime, health and social problems by initiating the availability of heroin, cocaine and amphetamines on prescription by physicians and dispensers trained in addiction. I don't believe it made it to a vote, but his advocacy for drug law reform was commendable. Jim continued his advocacy long after leaving this place.
He was a foundation member of the Drug Law Reform Foundation, and, together with his wife, Lesley, he worked closely with Aboriginal organisations, becoming a patron of Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service. He was also co-convenor of Beyond Federation, a group seeking constitutional reform, including the removal of the state tier of government—a particular passion of his and one I highly recommend.
Jim also supported his fellow parliamentarians, editing four editions of the 'After Parliament Guide', a resource printed by the parliament to assist members transitioning out of political life. He was a proud father to Ben, Catherine, Amanda and Natasha, and his legacy will live on in the communities he served and the family that he cherished. Jim Snow's legacy is one of compassion, service and integrity.
He never stopped helping others, including me by phone-banking when I was named as Eden-Monaro's Labor candidate in our byelection in 2020. His impact will be felt for generations to come, and I extend my sincere condolences to Jim's family. Vale, Jim Snow.
Can I also give the House on an update on what was a fantastic October long weekend across Eden-Monaro. We had the Wanderer Festival, and a huge congratulations to Simon and Naomi Daly for putting on a two-day festival in Pambula Beach. Wanderer attracted Missy Higgins, The Living End and Saint Motel.
It was fantastic. They sold 8,000 tickets with the help of the Australian and New South Wales governments. It was a music festival in a regional community, and I want to give a big shoutout to everyone involved, all of the volunteers.
It was magnificent. That comes on the back of the Eden Whale Festival. The whale migration is happening.
Get down to the South Coast of New South Wales. There was also the Lilac City Festival in Goulburn. It was aimed to get people to stay in town, not head to the coast, and shop in town.
Well done to communities right across Eden-Monaro.