Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

( Vale John Byrne and also vale Jose Gusmao. John Byrne was born in Bendigo and he had a successful footy and working career. He married Margaret and together they had five kids, including a mate of mine, Mike. The family moved to Bathurst Island in 1977, and John retained a lifelong respect for the Tiwi people, for their rights, self-determination and wonderful creativity.

A faithful Catholic, John ruffled a few feathers along the way due to his deeply held values and commitment, including with the St Vincent de Paul Society for decades in Darwin. John Byrne made a real contribution to our community and particularly to the less well off. Rest in peace, John.

Also leaving us in the last few days was Jose Gusmao, who unexpectedly passed away in Dili, Timor-Leste, after a heroic lifetime of contribution to his people. Jose was a highly principled man and a great leader in the struggle for Timorese independence. Former Timor-Leste president Jose Ramos-Horta said, 'There was not a day that Jose did not dream, think and act for Timor-Leste's freedom.'

Jose Gusmao was very active in Darwin in the 1990s in supporting asylum seekers and always working for self-determination for the Timorese people. Rest in peace, maun boot.

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