Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, 29 August 2024
Vale Roger Groom
On behalf of the Tasmanian Government, I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Roger Groom, who passed away on Sunday.
A passionate advocate for the people of Braddon, Mr Groom served as a Liberal Member in the House of Assembly from 1976 until 1997.
Mr Groom served as a senior Minister in both the Robin Gray and Ray Groom Liberal Governments, including as Minister for Health for a significant period of time.
A distinguished MP, Mr Groom introduced the Bass Strait ferry Abel Tasman, encouraged the start of the salmon industry in Tasmania, and negotiated with Brambles to commence daily service in and out of Burnie Port.
In March 1991, Mr Groom was granted the title of ‘Honourable’ for life.
In 1994, Mr Groom introduced the Domestic Violence Policy, which provided protection and support for victims and increased community awareness of the consequences of domestic violence.
Mr Groom was elected State President of the Young Liberals from 1957 to 1962.
On that note, I offer a personal reflection as Roger was very kind and supportive of me as Young Liberal President in the early 1990s.
I looked up to Roger as a measured, hard-working and considered Minister in the Ray Groom government.
He was also a respected member of the Burnie community, receiving the Lions International President’s Award for outstanding service in 1984, and he was a life member of the Burnie Basketball Association.
Sadly, Mr Groom’s wife Gay also passed away in August.
I express my condolences to the Groom family at this extremely difficult time.
