John Laws joins revered NSW figures to be celebrated with state funeral
John Laws is among dozens of revered Australians to be honoured at the NSW government’s discretion with a state funeral or memorial since 1991.
Legendary broadcaster John Laws will be the 49th Australian to be honoured with a state funeral or state memorial since 1991.
Laws, who died at his Sydney home on November 9 after a long illness, will be remembered at a state funeral at St Andrew’s Cathedral on Wednesday.
He is among dozens of revered figures in the state’s history to be honoured in such a way, with a response from Premier Chris Minns to Greens MP Jenny Leong in 2023 unveiling part of the decision-making process behind who is offered a state funeral or memorial.
“The offer of a state funeral or state memorial represents a considerable honour accorded to a NSW resident in recognition of their achievement and service to the NSW community,” Premier Minns said at the time.
“Certain NSW senior public officials are automatically entitled to the offer of a state service. “The offer of a state service for a prominent and distinguished member of the community is not automatic and should be made only where compelling arguments exist, considering the deceased’s achievements and contributions over a lifetime.”
Premier Minns said the premier’s department prepares advice for his consideration upon receiving a request for a state funeral or memorial.
Revered cardiac surgeon and heart transplant pioneer Dr Victor Chang was the first person in 1991 to receive a state funeral, at St Mary’s Cathedral, after his tragic murder in a failed extortion attempt.
Murdered southwest Sydney state MP John Newman was the next, followed by former NSW Premier Sir Eric Willis.
Country music legend Slim Dusty, aviator and Angel of the Outback Nancy Bird Walton, rugby league legend John Raper and fashion designer Carla Zampatti are also among those who received a discretionary state funeral.
Golden Girl Olympic champion Betty Cuthbert, still life painter Margaret Olley, Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku, and legendary entertainer Barry Humphries received discretionary state memorials.
Premier Chris Minns said the service would be an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the Golden Tonsils’ enormous contribution to Australian media and broadcasting since he began his career in 1953 in Bendigo.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I extend my deepest condolences to John’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who listened, learned and were challenged by him,” Premier Minns said in a statement.
“His legacy lies not only in the thousands of hours on air, but in the connection he forged with millions of Australians.”
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Originally published as John Laws joins revered NSW figures to be celebrated with state funeral
