Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 3 October 2022
Vale Paul Harriss
On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Harriss, who passed away over the weekend.
Paul was an outstanding local Member for over 20 years for both the Huon and Franklin electorates, and his passion for grassroots issues and serving his community was obvious to all, particularly for those working in our vitally important resource-based industries.
Having resigned his Upper House seat, he joined the Liberal team at the 2014 election and was an inaugural member of the Hodgman Liberal Government Cabinet, where he served as the Minister for Resources until his retirement in 2016.
Having worked with Paul for many years both during his time as an independent and as a Member of the Liberal Government, I can also say he was a very valued colleague, a friend, and an outstanding person, and I join with the many Tasmanians today who will mourn his passing.
Vale Paul Harriss.
Anita Dow MP, Acting Labor Leader; Dean Winter MP, Member for Franklin, 3 October 2022
Passing of Paul Harriss
Tasmanian Labor is saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Harriss.
Acting Labor Leader Anita Dow said that both as an independent and a member of the Liberal Government, Paul Harriss was very often on the opposite side of political stoushes with the Tasmanian Labor Party.
“We always knew where he stood on the big issues and he argued his points with passion and resolve,” Ms Dow said.
“In 2006, Paul’s support was critical in the Lennon Labor Government delivering the first compensation package for the Aboriginal stolen generations through the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal Children Bill 2006. It was held up as a model for other jurisdictions to follow.”
“He was not just a public advocate for what he believed in, but someone who was a tireless volunteer and community-first operator behind the scenes.”
“On behalf of the Labor Party, we send our love to Paul’s family, including Dean Harriss MLC, during this time.”
Labor Member for Franklin Dean Winter highlighted Paul Harriss’s longstanding commitment to the Huon and Channel region.
“There were few in the Huon and Channel area who did not know Paul,” Mr Winter said.
“Fiercely pro-industry and the Huon Valley, Paul was a formidable political force for 20 years.”
“He was one of the first people to reach out to me when I was elected as Mayor of Kingborough. He was generous with his time and passionate about the region, even after retirement.”
“May he rest in peace.”
