Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

That the Senate records its deep sorrow at the death, on 17 July 2020, of Dominic John Foreman, former senator for South Australia, places on record its gratitude for his service to the parliament and the nation and tenders its profound sympathy to his family in their bereavement.

Dominic Foreman came into the Senate in October 1980 as a strong voice and dedicated advocate for workers rights, particularly for those in the manufacturing industries. He was a true blue-collar worker who spent much of his early working life in the automotive industry, first as an apprentice on the factory floor and then as a union official. He rose through the ranks of the Vehicle Builders' Employees' Federation of Australia to eventually serve as its president. Like so many on the other side of this chamber, Dominic worked within the trade union movement for many years before entering politics. He will be remembered for his dedication and passion for the automotive industry, his long and distinguished service to both the trade union movement and the Australian Labor Party and his commitments to those he represented—the people of South Australia.

Born on 6 August 1933 to George and Gertrude Foreman in the mid-north country town of Clare in South Australia, Dominic Foreman grew up on the family's vineyard as one of six children. Leaving school at 13, Dominic spent two years working in the family cafe on the main street of Clare before moving to Adelaide to work for whitegoods manufacturer Simpson. In 1954, he joined General Motors Holden, working as a welder on an assembly line at both the Woodville plant and the Elizabeth plant.

After a year with General Motors Holden, Dominic Foreman joined the Vehicle Builders' Employees' Federation, becoming a shop steward. He spent the next 15 years working through the ranks of the Vehicle Builders' Employees' Federation, serving as both its state secretary and eventually, in 1979, becoming its Australian president. During his service as the Australian president of the Vehicle Builders' Employees' Federation, Dominic Foreman also served as president of the South Australian trades and labour council and as state president of the ALP in South Australia. Clearly, this was a very busy period in Dominic Foreman's life, but he still wanted to do more for his state—specifically for those working in the automotive industry. Less than 12 months later, he would get his opportunity.

In 1980, then senator Reg Bishop, a former minister in the Whitlam government, indicated his intention to retire. With the support of his close friend and federal member for Port Adelaide Mick Young, Dominic Foreman contested the Senate preselection, securing first position on the ALP Senate ticket—a feat within itself for a first-time Senate candidate. He was elected on the first count and remained in a strong position on the ALP ticket in South Australia in subsequent elections in 1983, 1987 and 1993.

In his first speech he highlighted the importance of the car industry in Australia, especially in his home state of South Australia. Dominic Foreman was passionate about workers rights, industrial relations and upskilling Australia's youth to prevent unemployment. He was especially vocal in relation to the needs of young people in rural areas, recognising how important it is for young Australians to get a decent education. During his parliamentary service Dominic Foreman retained his strong commitment to the automotive industry and to representing the rights of young workers. He ensured that he was always there as a strong voice whenever there was a motor industry issue on the table.

It is also important to note and reflect on his long and distinguished service to the Australian Labor Party. Dominic Foreman joined the ALP in South Australia in the early 1950s. He served on Labor's state executive in South Australia from 1975 to 1981 and in 1979 was elected state president, serving for one year before entering this chamber as a senator for South Australia. By all accounts, even after leaving the Senate in 1997, he remained a vocal supporter and committed member of the Australian Labor Party. During his 16 years in parliament, Dominic Foreman served on a number of Senate committees. But he is probably best remembered for his service in the Senate as both a government and an opposition deputy whip. For over a decade he served as a deputy whip, a role he thoroughly enjoyed and in which he performed extremely well.

In 1997 Dominic Foreman was forced to retire from parliament due to ill health. It is clear that he was highly regarded, trusted and respected on both sides of politics. He was reliable and served this parliament with loyalty, devotion and integrity. Family was important to Dominic Foreman, as it is to all of us here. He was a loved and cherished father, grandfather and great-grandfather. It is to his family, on behalf of the Australian government and the Senate, that I offer our deepest condolences. Dominic Foreman will be remembered for his long service to the Australian Labor Party, his commitment to and love of the automotive industry and his dedication to serving the interests of Australian workers and their families.