The Premier, David Bartlett, today paid tribute to former Federal Labor Minister and Tasmanian Leader of the Opposition, Ken Wriedt, who sadly passed away last night.
Ken made an outstanding contribution as a Tasmanian Senator for more than a decade, including serving well as a Minister during the progressive Whitlam era, Mr Bartlett said.
He was a thoughtful policy advocate, who spoke with knowledge and authority across several areas, he said.
Mr Wriedt began his parliamentary career in the Senate in 1967, and serve as a Minster in both the Federal and Tasmanian Parliaments.
He was the Federal Minister for Agriculture, as well as Minerals and Energy, and served as Leader of the Australian Labor Party in the Senate.
Mr Wriedt was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly as a Member for Franklin, in 1982, was Leader of the Opposition from 1982 to 1986, and a Minister from 1989 to 1990, before resigning from Parliament.
Ken Wriedt was held in high regard by members on all sides of politics. He will be remembered as a principled leader, and a strong reformer, Mr Bartlett said.
He served his electorate well and left a lasting legacy for all Tasmanians.
I offer mine and the Government s sincere condolences to Ken s daughters Paula and Sonia, and the rest his family, at this difficult time. I know they ve already suffered a sad loss recently, with the passing of Ken s wife Helga, he said.
Mr Wriedt is survived by his two daughters, and four grandchildren.
