Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence, I rise to acknowledge the passing of Anne Deveson AO on 12 December at the age of 86, and I extend our condolences to her son Joshua and her granddaughter Odessa, who are with us today. Josh, please accept our sympathies, particularly in light of the passing of your sister, Georgia Blain, another award-winning author, just a few days before that of your mother.

Anne Deveson, in her own words, led a varied and extraordinary life. Her career took her from broadcast journalist to film-maker to social advocate, in an accomplished and passionate lifetime of work. Her profound appreciation of the humanity of others was evident in her questions to 2GB listeners and in her books on ageing and resilience. 'In essence,' she said, 'we share the same longing for peace and love, the same need for respect, the same fear of pain and suffering, the same desire for joy.'

Anne will best be remembered for the way she helped change the approach to mental health care in Australia. She was fundamental in starting the support network that became SANE Australia and in advocating for the carers and the families of those with schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Her calling to advocacy stemmed from her eldest son, Jonathan, being diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager. Her book Tell Me I'm Here is one of the most thought-provoking and compelling accounts of the life of a person with schizophrenia—as well as the decisions, the fears, the bravery and the medical advocacy that define the lives of the families and friends who love and support them. Anne was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to the media and an Officer of the Order of Australia for her work in community health.

I hope—no; I know—that Anne felt the love and respect of the Australian people, who looked up to her as representing the very best in our society: humble, stoic, hardworking and generous. We still have a lot more to do as we address mental illness—something about which there has been a taboo for many years in terms of our acknowledgement and awareness. We have a long way to go until we restore what Professor Ian Hickie has so profoundly called the 'mental wealth of nations'—the profound interest that each of us has in the mental health of every other Australian.

Anne Deveson is, in no small measure, the reason why we are on this journey. She pointed the way. She walked with us with encouragement and compassion. For the progress we have made, she can be accorded considerable credit. Our commitment to continue, our determination to succeed, the leadership she chose to give us and the direction we are taking are her legacy. Josh and your family, accept our condolences. Anne Deveson: a great Australian who dedicated so much of her life to helping her fellow Australians.

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