Today, I pay tribute to Kelvin Thomson and his record of service to the Labor Party and the people of Wills.

 

Kelvin is a long serving and widely-respected member of Labor’s caucus, having won his seat 19 years ago in 1996.

 

But his service to our party extends for much longer, having first been elected as a Labor representative to the Coburg Council nearly 35 years ago

 

He’s known in Victoria as a formidable campaigner and a fierce advocate for the rights and conditions of working people.

 

A passionate advocate of renewable energy, of action on climate change and protecting the environment.

 

He has campaigned hard to protect skilled visa workers and international students from exploitation and has never been far from debates about our population.

 

It says a lot about the strength of Kelvin that he can suffer a serious heart attack, undergo double bypass surgery and be back in the Parliament within a matter of weeks.

 

Sometimes politics can change people - but not Kelvin.

 

He has remained his own man, true to the ideals and values that called him to public life more than three decades ago.

 

Kelvin Thomson leaves the Parliament as he served it: on his terms and with his head held high.

 

We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.

 

TUESDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2015

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 4053