Steele Hall was legend of South Australian politics.
Steele stands tall in the history of our state and the Liberal Party as a reformer, an orator and a man of principle willing to stand by his values.
As both a state and federal Member of Parliament and a Senator, Steele transcended state and federal politics along with political eras in a parliamentary career stretching from 1959 to 1996.
Many will rightly remember Steele’s principled and ultimately self-sacrificing leadership as the Premier who oversaw important electoral reforms to deliver one vote, one value in South Australia.
However, those principles were also applied in his approach to the Liberal Party, forcing modernisation upon the party and once again being willing to put his beliefs ahead of political convenience via the work of the Liberal Movement.
Many other social and economic reforms benefited from the leadership and input of Steele Hall, while proud state assets like the Adelaide Festival Centre exist due to his foresight.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have spent valuable time with Steele in my most formative political years, from work experience in his electorate office as a teenager to many discussions with Joan and Steele in their family home.
To see Steele speak to an audience was a display of persuasive force, deep insight and the wisdom that came from so many years of political discourse.
I extend my love and condolences to Joan, along with Steele’s children, grandchildren and all those who loved and respected him.
ENDS