Glenorchy councillor and former Labor MP remembered as ‘man for the people’

A serving Glenorchy alderman and former federal MP is being remembered for serving the people. Read the tributes.

Harry Quick during his time on the former Glenorchy City Council in 2016. Stuart Slade, Harry Quick, Kristie Johnston.

Glenorchy alderman and former federal Labor MP Harry Quick is being remembered as “a man for the people” after his death at the weekend.

Mr Quick, 83, who had cancer, died in Adelaide where he was visiting family.

Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey paid tribute to her colleague.

“We are saddened to hear of his passing,” she said.

“Harry will be remembered for his sharp mind and dedication to public service.”

Ms Hickey said Mr Quick was born in Victoria and had lived in Berriedale for 47 years.

He was a highly regarded teacher for 23 years before winning the seat of Franklin in 1993 and Opposition Whip for three years from 2001.

Mr Quick held the seat of Franklin until he resigned in 2007 with some political observers saying he turned a strong Liberal seat into a safe Labor one.

He was expelled from the Labor Party in 2007, a few months before his retirement over unpaid membership fees. He also supported a Liberal Party candidate and spoke out against Labor’s choice of unionist Kevin Harkins to replace him.

In 2009 he announced he would run for the Greens in the Legislative Council seat of Derwent then held by Labor treasurer Michael Aird but changed his mind days later saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.

At the time Greens leader, Nick McKim described Mr Quick as “a truth teller” and “fantastic” MP who helped his local community get through their daily challenges.

Labor MP Harry Quick holds an apple in protest during Question Time in House of Representatives of Federal Parliament in Canberra.

In 2014 he successfully ran as deputy Glenorchy mayor, alongside Kristie Johnston who was elected mayor, saying there was “a lot of dead wood” among aldermen.

“The place needs a good shake-up, a clean-up of most of the councillors and a new sense of revitalisation,” he said.

Jenny Branch-Allen, who was once on council with Mr Quick, said he was committed to helping children and his community.

“We connected over education as Harry was a teacher who had a passion for children to succeed,” she said

“He had a lifetime of dedication to this state at a federal and local level.

“He died serving his community which is what he would have wanted.

“Harry was a man for the people.”

Dick Adams, the federal Labor MP for Lyons for 20 years, served in parliament with Mr Quick.

“It’s sad to have lost an old colleague,” he said.

“I send my condolences to his family.”

Originally published as Glenorchy councillor and former Labor MP remembered as ‘man for the people’