Tim PALLAS (Werribee – Treasurer, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Economic Growth) (09:39): I rise to acknowledge the passing of Gregory Leonard, a man who touched many people in the Wyndham community. Greg recently passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. I express my condolences to his family. Greg was a ministerial driver for the Department of Premier and Cabinet for over 35 years, and I had the privilege to have Greg drive me between 2006 and 2010. Not many can boast of serving three past premiers of Victoria – John Cain, Joan Kirner and Steve Bracks – and Greg was in the entourage of vehicles for President Bush in 1992. I have got really fond memories of Greg. Greg lived not only for his family but for his community. When driving through regional Victoria he always knew the best bakeries to go to and share a pastie or two.

After he retired Greg contributed much to his community in a volunteer capacity, which is a testament to his great character. He was a justice of the peace for 18 years and assisted Indigenous communities, people with disability and young people learning to drive, and he served on various committees. The loss of Greg will be deeply felt across many organisations and community groups. On behalf of Wyndham, I express my thanks to Greg for his relentless contribution, his service, his kindness, his sense of humour and for giving so much of his time to help others. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies on this passing of a truly decent man to his wife Kerri, daughter Adele, mother Heather and father John.