Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
Convenor of Parliamentary Brain Tumour Awareness Group
MEDIA RELEASE
Senator Bilyk pays tribute to Canberra Press Gallery Journalist Peter Veness
Senator Bilyk has paid tribute to the late Peter Veness, a member of the Parliament House Press Gallery who passed away yesterday following a battle with brain cancer.
Despite his illness, Peter Veness continued to work hard as a journalist for Australian Associated Press (AAP) and bravely used his personal battle to raise awareness of brain cancer.
As Co-Convenor of the Parliamentary Brain Tumour Awareness Group (BTAG), Senator Bilyk had the privilege of getting to know Peter and considered him a friend.
“Peter was not only a hard working journalist but a friendly, easy going person who wanted to make a difference in life. Journalists report on the news and help other people tell their stories but it is not always easy for them to report on an issue that is so close to their heart.
“Peter was prepared to put his own feelings aside because he knew that brain cancer is an issue that affects many people and he wanted to educate the wider community about the impact that is experienced not only by sufferers but their family and friends as well,” said Senator Bilyk.
At only 27 years of age, Peter Veness left this world having made a difference through his reporting and the way he fought so hard to keep going during his illness.
“My thoughts go out to Peter’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time,” said Senator Bilyk.
Senator Catryna Bilyk Labor Senator for Tasmania Chair of the Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety
