Steven Ciobo (Moncrieff, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Small Business, Independent Contractors, Tourism and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

On indulgence, on behalf of the coalition, we would like to associate ourselves with the remarks of the minister on the passing of Don Lane. He is certainly, although not a native-born Australian, someone who made a very marked impact on Australian cultural life. Many millions of Australians would recognise the amazing contribution he made. Having been born in New York City to a Catholic mother and a Jewish father, he certainly grew up with a lifestyle and in a family that was, although not unique, perhaps interesting coming into Australia.

His early work as a nightclub performer and a singer, doing a mix of comedy and singing, certainly boded well for his subsequent years on the Don Lane Show. Of course, he worked very closely with a number of famous Australians, including Bert Newton. The various national Logie awards that he received—including the Gold Logie; Most Popular Male Personality; Most Popular Male, in Victoria; and Most Popular Show—were all a testament to his fine contribution to Australian culture. He will certainly be missed.

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