STATEMENT FROM THE PREMIER ON THE PASSING OF LINDSAY THOMPSON

Thursday, 17 July 2008
Premier John Brumby today paid tribute to former Liberal Premier of Victoria, Lindsay Thompson, who passed away at age 84.

Lindsay Thompson was Victoria’s 40th Premier and famous for his role in the Faraday school kidnapping of 1972. 

Mr Brumby said Mr Thompson was a great Victorian and parliamentarian, who dedicated his life to serving the people of Victoria.

“On behalf of our Government I offer my condolences to Lindsay’s family,” Mr Brumby said.

“Lindsay was an honourable man who was highly respected by his colleagues, and who made many, many valuable contributions to the state of Victoria during the nearly three decades in which he served the Victorian Parliament.

“He was humble and courteous – a true gentleman in every sense of the word, who always put the interests of the Victorian people first.

“I think Lindsay will be best remembered for his long service as Minister for Education and his passionate belief in the importance of education. 
 
“And of course the bravery of his actions during the Faraday school kidnapping will also be long remembered - Lindsay had no hesitation in putting the children and families involved first.” 

Lindsay Thompson was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council in the Monash and Higginbotham provinces in 1955 where he served until 1970, before transferring to the Legislative Assembly as Member for Malvern.

A former Minister for Housing, Mr Thompson served as Minister for Education from 1967 until 1979. He replaced Sir Rupert Hamer as Premier in 1981, serving as Victorian Premier until1982.

Mr Thompson received many awards. He was made an officer of the Order of Australia on Australia Day in 1990 for his service to government and politics in the Victorian Parliament, was the recipient of a Centenary Medal and a bravery award for his actions during the Faraday school kidnapping. 

“Our thoughts today are with Lindsay’s family, former colleagues and friends,” Mr Brumby said. 

“In his passing, Victoria has lost a courageous and honourable man who dedicated his life to public service.”

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government had offered Lindsay Thompson’s family a State Funeral.