Parliament pauses to pay tribute to former Speaker and Liberal stalwart, Hon Greame Page

Members from across the political divide put their differences aside to pay unanimous tribute to former Speaker of the House and long-term Liberal MP, the Hon Graeme Page.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Picture: Rob Burnett

Members from across the political divide put their differences aside on Tuesday to pay unanimous tribute to former Speaker of the House and long-term Liberal MP, the Hon Graeme Page.

Mr Page, who passed away in September aged 80, was first elected in 1976 for the electorate of Wilmot – now known as Lyons – and served as Speaker from 1992 to 1996.

In a condolence motion in parliament, Premier Jeremy Rockliff described Mr Page as a stalwart of the Liberal Party, of the northern Tasmanian community, and of the state’s transport industry.

Mr Rockliff recalled the “many hundreds” people who attended Mr Page’s funeral where it was standing room only, and of the touching tributes delivered by family and friends.

“He was so very well loved, very well respected, and he will be dearly missed by so many people,” the Premier said.

“Rest in peace, Graeme.”

Former Speaker of the House Graeme Page after the funeral of Tony Benneworth at The Church of the Apostles, Launceston. PICTURE: CHRIS KIDD

Opposition Leader Rebecca White told of Mr Page’s generosity and support for farmers during the Dunalley bushfires, and of his general reputation for decency and kindness.

Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff spoke of Mr Page’s many accomplishments before he entered parliament, including running the successful Page Transport business, while an emotional Attorney-General Guy Barnett said he would never forget the kindness Mr Page and his wife Anne showed when Mr Barnett’s father was seriously unwell.

“You could not get better neighbours,” Mr Barnett said.

“When my late father had motor neurone disease for three years, it was a very tough time for my mother and for our family.

“And the Page family could not have been more caring or kind.”

Member for Franklin David O’Byrne recalled batting in an underage cricket match at Westbury facing a hostile bowling spell from Geoff Page, as the imposing figure of father Graeme watched intently from the boundary.

“They were a family that loved sport, loved their community, and loved each other.”

Mr Page is survived by his wife Anne, and their three sons, Geoff, Jon, Chris.

Their daughter, Catherine, died in 2021.