John Kerin Death: Former cabinet member John Kerin, who served in the Hawke and Keating administrations as the agriculture minister, has passed away. He was 85.
Following her initial election to the federal legislature in 1972, Kerin was instrumental in the reformation of Australia’s agricultural policies under Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
In 1991, he had the primary industries portfolio in addition to serving a brief time as treasurer.
The current portfolio holder, Murray Watt, described Kerin as “Australia’s best and most progressive agriculture minister” today, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted his “deep” influence.
“He left the most impression when serving as Minister for Primary Industries and Energy. And what a significant mark it was, according to Albanese’s comments.
Politics is like farming, according to a quote from John: “No one wants to do it, but someone has to. John did both, bringing his extensive knowledge of the land first to the Bureau of Agricultural Economics and subsequently to the Federal Parliament, to Australia’s lasting benefit.
John played a major part in restructuring Australia’s agriculture and primary industries as a minister in the Hawke administration, but he got his start in the Whitlam administration.
These were significant obstacles, but John met them all head-on with wisdom, consideration, pragmatism, consultation, and an unshakable sense of humor.
John’s dedication to Australia and the Australian Labor Party is something I respect.
“The Government offers John’s family and friends its sincere sympathies. He will be sorely missed.
“May he find eternal peace.”