The death of former Victorian governor Sir James Gobbo at age 90 has been marked by tributes from leading political, church and community figures, and the announcement by Premier Daniel Andrews that Sir James will be accorded a state funeral.
Sir James served as the 25th governor of Victoria from 1997 until 2000, under premiers Jeff Kennett and Steve Bracks.
Sir James and Lady Gobbo pictured in 2008.Credit: Cathryn Tremain
Prime Minister Scott Morrison described Sir James as “the quintessential Australian success story”.
Mr Morrison said that, as the son of Italian migrants, the former governor spoke little English during his childhood, but his “powerful intellect and drive resulted in him being awarded a Rhodes Scholarship 70 years ago”.
James “Jimmy” Gobbo was born in Carlton, Victoria, in 1931.
“Sir James was rightly proud of his rich Italian heritage and of the multicultural nation he served. In so many ways Sir James was the father of modern multiculturalism in Australia, which stands as one of his most significant legacies,” Mr Morrison said.
Federal Education Minister Alan Tudge said he was saddened to hear of Sir James’ death.
“He made an incredible contribution to this nation and was a true gentleman,” he said.
Sir James in 1981.
Federal Parliament’s longest-serving MP, Kevin Andrews, said he was honoured to serve as Sir James’ associate for two years when he was a justice of the Victorian Supreme Court.
“He was a wonderful mentor and friend,” Mr Andrews tweeted on Sunday night.
“He was a great Australian, always conscious and proud of his Italian heritage.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews offered his condolences to Sir James’ family, and said the former governor had led a life of service as governor and lieutenant-governor of Victoria, and as a Victorian Supreme Court judge.
Sir James was the first person from a non-English-speaking background to be appointed to a state governorship, the Premier said.
After Sir James graduated from the University of Melbourne, he received the Rhodes scholarship and left Oxford with a BA and MA.
He was appointed to Victoria’s Supreme Court in 1978 and was knighted in 1982 for his services to the community.
“His continued contribution to the law, multicultural affairs and hospitals was recognised in 1993 when he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia,” the Premier said.
After Sir James retired from the bench, he was appointed governor in 1997.
He also served as the chairman of the Council of the National Library of Australia, the Australian Multicultural Foundation and the National Advisory Commission on Ageing, and served on the Council for the Order of Australia.
The Premier said Sir James’ family had accepted a state funeral, at which Victorians could pay tribute to his legacy. It would be held at St Patrick’s Cathedral on November 16, he said.
The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter Comensoli, described Sir James as a great Australian and proud Victorian.
“Sir James was a man of faith, family and heritage, and a true servant of civil society in very many ways,” he said.
Sir James leaves behind his wife Shirley and family.
Correction: An earlier version of this story referred to him as “Giacomo”. The family has since informed The Age that this is incorrect. He was baptised James.
Stay across the most crucial developments related to the pandemic with the Coronavirus Update. Sign up for the weekly newsletter.