Steve Georganas (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I rise to pay tribute to a remarkable individual from South Australia who passed away late last year: Leon Byner, radio host of the FIVEAA program. Leon was not just a radio announcer and a journalist. He was a trusted voice on radio and an icon of South Australian media. Leon Byner's career in radio spanned three decades in Adelaide, but his journey began much earlier. At the age of just 13 years he discovered his passion for the spoken word, a passion that would shape his entire life. He officially entered the world of broadcasting in 1966 in Shepparton, Victoria, and from that moment his voice became a fixture on the airwaves. Leon Byner's reputation grew steadily, built on credibility, experience and an unwavering commitment to truth.

Eventually he made Adelaide his home and became the host of the Radio FIVEAA morning program, a talkback program that resonated deeply within Adelaide and our community. It wasn't just a talkback program; it was a lifeline for many South Australians. Leon Byner gave people a voice. He broke stories as they happened and held those in power to account. His program became a trusted source of news and a forum for robust debate. He'd interviewed every prime minister. He had interviewed premiers as well as opposition leaders. He covered politics news and he broke leading stories. Leon was persuasive, authoritative and courageous. He never shied away from asking the tough questions, and he did so with integrity and respect. He understood that radio is more than entertainment; is a platform to help people.

Time and again, Leon used this influence to assist listeners who were navigating complex bureaucratic challenges, and it wasn't unusual to hear someone come on the talkback program as a member of the public to raise an issue that was very unfair, that just didn't sound right. The next minute, Leon would be on to the minister and have him on the next day, regardless of what political party he belonged to, to explain why this was happening. He made many changes in legislation through this particular tactic, which was a good thing, because people without a voice were heard—and they were not only heard but heard at the highest levels.

For that, he gained a reputation of trust. His contributions didn't go unnoticed. Leon was nominated 13 times for the Australian Commercial Radio Award for best talkback and current affairs and was also nominated for Australian of the Year on three occasions. That is a testament to his impact on our state and our nation. Sadly, Leon passed away late last year. Our condolences go to Sean, to his family and to all those who will forever miss him, not only on radio but just in general. (Time expired)