RETIREMENT OF JOHN DENTON EVANS, PSM, CLERK OF THE PARLIAMENTS AND CLERK OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Page: 4754
The Hon. TONY KELLY (Minister for Justice, Minister for Juvenile Justice, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Lands, and Minister for Rural Affairs) [5.50 p.m.]: I move:
1. That this House expresses its appreciation for the distinguished service to the Legislative Council and the State of Mr John Denton Evans, PSM, Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council.
2. That this resolution be communicated to Mr Evans by the President.
Only last week the House farewelled Warren Cahill. Today, with sadness, we say farewell to John Evans. I speak on behalf of all members when I say that John Evans' departure today is a great loss for New South Wales. John has served the Legislative Council since December 1971. During those 35 years—half a lifetime—we have seen immense changes to the upper House and, indeed, Australian society. When John first arrived in Macquarie Street the President of the Legislative Council was one Sir Harry Vincent Budd. I understand from someone who came from that North Coast area that three former Presidents came from the same area, and that three of them are in this room today.
Sir Harry Vincent Budd was a member of the now defunct Country Party. Incidentally, that year he relinquished the editorship of the Land newspaper after 40 years. Sir Harry may have expressed concerns over the actions of a young activist, Meredith Bergmann, during that year's Springbok rugby tour. We had a Legislative Council that was still not democratic and members who were not directly elected by the people of New South Wales. Locked in the dark ages of both a Coalition Government in Canberra and Macquarie Street, we still had another seven years before the landmark Wran reforms.
It was that world that John Evans entered as a young officer of the Legislative Council. As I said, in 35 years the upper House has seen some immense changes. In addition to the democratisation of the upper House, during that time we have seen the emergence of the committee system and its growth, for better or worse some might say. Throughout his years, John has displayed the utmost professionalism in carrying out his various roles. I know that his advice is trusted by each and every member of this House when it is sought. From taking up the position of Clerk of Printed Papers—I am not sure such a position still exists—John worked his way up through the Legislative Council from Usher of the Black Rod, to Clerk Assistant, Deputy Clerk and, finally, in 1989, to Clerk of the Parliaments and the Legislative Council. No-one would deny that without John the House would not have run as smoothly nor as effectively. John is a solid rock upon which the modern functions of the upper House have grown and flourished.
John also carries around with him a vast amount of what we call corporate knowledge, which can only come after a long and distinguished career. This corporate knowledge has been an exceedingly valuable asset to the public service and to the people of New South Wales. It is something that is now lost in the days of multiple career paths and short tenures. His departure is a sad thing. The House will be all the poorer without John. Well used to wooden and hollow posturing in the House, no doubt John will devote more of his time to his passion of wood turning, a hobby I know that he excels in. I extend my personal thanks to both John and Ann from my wife and I. I am proud to have known and worked with him. Best of luck, John, in your new endeavours.
The Hon. MICHAEL GALLACHER (Leader of the Opposition) [5.53 p.m.]: It is with a tinge of sadness that I express our thanks to John Evans for the work and dedication he has shown this Parliament in a career spanning 35 years. Few in this House would not have sought the advice of John Evans in respect of parliamentary procedure, or the rights and responsibilities of members of Parliament. Even fewer in this House would have doubted that advice. We in the Opposition have worked closely with John Evans since 1995, as we sought to continue the development of the operations of this House. Whether it was the creation and evolution of the general purpose standing committees, the previously uncharted waters of the right of this House to demand information and the subsequent legal battles that ensued, changes to question time procedure or the challenge of upholding tradition while meeting the public test of relevance, John Evans has been the strongest defender of the Legislative Council.
It would be fair to say that John actually enjoyed the challenge, enjoyed the battle, when it came to some new idea or means by which we could hold the Government to account. The most recent example is the expansion of the estimates committees. Although it is fair to say that both sides—Government and non-government—can claim a win, it is inevitable that we will eventually see the estimates process evolve into a similar model to that of Senate estimates, taking into consideration our inherent resource constraints. When I first arrived in Parliament in 1996 I remember John Evans telling me proudly about his days in the New South Wales Police Force. He worked at Phillip Street, the Infringement Processing Bureau and later at Bankstown. Few know that John Evans worked very closely with Norm Allen, not because of the notoriety of, shall we say, this colourful identity, but because some of John's work was best described as covert, or so I am told.
Fortunately, a thorough search of some of the top-secret files in police headquarters have come into our possession. In them is a rather interesting photograph of John Evans performing one of those undercover operations to infiltrate a West Indian cartel. It is a photograph I would love to present to you, John, as a reminder of your days in the Legislative Council. Seriously, John, thank you for the integrity and impartial manner with which you have conducted yourself in the role of Clerk of the Parliaments. On behalf of the Opposition I wish you well in the future. I have no doubt, as you have shown in your active role assisting other developing countries and democracies, that you will continue to serve the people, wherever they may be, for many years to come.
The Hon. JOHN DELLA BOSCA (Minister for Finance, Minister for Commerce, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and Vice-President of the Executive Council) [5.56 p.m.]: In the 150-year history of responsible Government in this State there have been only nine Clerks of the Parliaments. The second-longest serving is John Denton Evans. Thus, his retirement is a significant event. The Clerk of the Parliaments is the authority on parliamentary procedure in this Chamber, and is the sole adviser to the President of the Legislative Council. The Clerk is also the Chief Executive Officer who manages Parliament House. John Evans has filled these diverse roles admirably. His professionalism is obvious, and we are all well aware of his devotion to his duties. He stands out with his expertise in parliamentary procedure and expertise that is recognised not only by members of this House regardless of their political affiliations, but also internationally.
John's ideas and experience are sought by Parliaments and democracies far removed from Macquarie Street, right around the Pacific and the Asia region. It is a tribute to the man himself and the dedication he has demonstrated in his dealings with us and with the institution of Parliament itself. His store of knowledge is second to none. Indeed, all who have sat in this Chamber have benefited from the skills, professionalism and experience of John Evans. John Evans came to Sydney in 1963 as a 16-year-old country boy from Murwillumbah, as the Leader of the House mentioned. He spent eight years in the police department, during which time he was Assistant Private Secretary to the colourful—I think the Leader of the Opposition used that term—Chief Commissioner, Norm Allen. He subsequently held positions such as the Usher of the Black Rod, Clerk Assistant and Deputy Clerk. Since August 1989 he has been Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council.
When he came into this position I imagine he would not have envisaged that he would preside over a period of transformation of the Legislative Council. Indeed, no former Clerk has presided over such great changes. The role of this Chamber in the days prior to John Evans becoming Clerk had been largely perfunctory. But all that has changed, and John Evans was the Clerk in those turbulent times. Since 1988 the Legislative Council, now elected by the people directly, has changed from what many regard as a mere rubber stamp for the Government to a House of genuine review, undertaking its role to debate and amend much of the Government's legislation. The election of a large crossbench has introduced players to the Legislative Council's deliberations that were absent in the past. The crossbenchers represent diverse elements of this State and, in some ways, the nation. The fact that the transition in the role of the Legislative Council has worked so smoothly is a tribute to the capability and the commitment to parliamentary democracy of John Evans.
Sitting hours have been greatly extended, as have the scope and role of committees. That has put an increased workload on the staff of the Legislative Council and of course on the Clerk. Indeed, when the House adjourns after tiresome and sometimes very long sittings, the Clerk's work is only just beginning. As we wend our way home, the Clerk and his staff have to complete the documentation of the day's deliberations and prepare for the next morning's sitting.
It is fitting to place on record our great respect and appreciation both for the contribution of John Evans to the smooth running of this Parliament and the countless hours of dedicated service he has given to the oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth. John Evans is recognised as an expert in the complex area of parliamentary procedures. I suspect I have the same source of intelligence as the Leader of the House because I too have heard that John has expertise in other areas, including his two great passions, woodwork and calligraphy. I trust that he will have plenty of time in his retirement to concentrate on his hobbies—possibly without the tensions and dramas that have accompanied his illustrious working life in this place. On behalf of the Government, I wish John all the best for his retirement. I convey our best wishes to his family.
The Hon. DUNCAN GAY (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) [6.00 p.m.]: John, Ann, Damien and Meegan, when I first saw the photograph I am showing, I realised where Max Willis got the idea of the wig! I adopt the very true words of a former great President, Johno Johnson, who said, during speeches on a motion to celebrate John's 30 years of service to this Parliament, that he had served with two great Clerks, Les Jeckeln and John Evans. I also have served with those two great Clerks.
The term "Clerk", which is used to describe the office of the Clerk of the House, is one of the elements that we inherited from the United Kingdom House of Commons. An equivalent title was in force in the Legislatures of the Colonies that later became the States in the new Federation. The need for a Clerk, someone who could read and write, was to inform the largely illiterate membership—in other words, us—and stemmed from the need to keep a minute record of decisions and proceedings as well as a need to inform members of what was going on.
The first appointment of an official to attend Parliament in a clerical capacity in the United Kingdom dates from 1315. In 1341 the Commons commenced deliberations apart. In 1363, 23 years before Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, the Commons were sufficiently distinct from the Lords for the King to pay a Chancery Clerk to serve that House permanently. Robert Melton was the first recorded Clerk of the House. He was paid £5 a year for life and held the official title of Under-Clerk of Parliament. Geoffrey Chaucer must have known that at some time in the future our Clerk, John Evans, would arrive at Parliament. The Clerk's Tale states:
There was also a Clerk from Oxford
His horse was a lean as is a rake
And he was not very fat, I affirm
But looked emaciated and moreover abstemious
His short overcoat was very threadbare
He spoke not one word more than was needed
And that was said with due formality and respect
And was short and lively, and full of elevated content
Surely Chaucer must have known of our Clerk when he wrote that!
[Interruption]
I was quoting selectively from The Canterbury Tales. There have been other great Clerks over the years. When describing the Parliament, another former great Clerk, Sir Erskine May, wrote in his poem, Merry May Tune:
They come with all the winds that blow
Soft South and Northern bluster
Of every sort of high and low
A very motley muster,
Some try to speak who only spout,
To storm, who only stammer,
Some only leave their "h's" out
Some leave out all the grammar
But well for them the years that flow
The years that seal and sever
For they may come and they may go
But I go on for ever.
I know not for I only know
Whatever men's endeavour
That Members come and Members go
But I go on for ever.
A noisy lot, and rather low,
Alas they leave us never
For still they come, if still they go
The great, the wise, the clever,
Oh well for me if the years that flow,
For I go on for ever.
However, the Clerk does not go on forever. Today it is the final day of service of our Clerk, John Evans, and we will surely miss him. As other honourable members have indicated, he has been the Clerk of the Parliaments and has faced changing times since 1971. At that time, the Legislative Council President was being removed from a demonstration against the Springbok tour and, as the Hon. Michael Egan commented during a tribute to John's 30 years of service to the Parliament, it was also a time when platform shoes and flared pants were the go. No-one can remember whether John Evans wore platform shoes or flared pants at that time, but what we do remember is his role in steering this Parliament through the establishment of committees and changes that have been undertaken in this Parliament.
I suspect that there would be not one member of this Parliament who does not trust John Evans absolutely. On a daily basis, we consult John Evans for sage-like advice, confident in the knowledge that we will receive the best advice on issues we ask about. John has always been quick to tell members that he will give them the answer the question asks for, but if they do not ask the right questions, they may not get the answers they need, and it is up to members to be diligent. It is rare when people from such different backgrounds and different political persuasions are able to consult one person yet share an absolute trust. I have worked with two such Clerks and I consider myself to be privileged. John, you deserve your retirement. I can certainly say that if you take time away from wood-turning and calligraphy, and you and Ann are travelling through Crookwell, you would be most welcome to call in.
Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE [6.06 p.m.]: On behalf of the Christian Democratic Party, it is my great pleasure to support the motion, as this House pays tribute to John Evans for his service to the Parliament for more than 35 years. John is a true Christian gentleman. To me, he is more than a Clerk. Obviously I came to know him when I was elected to Parliament in 1981, which means that I have known John for 25 years. He is more than a public servant, more than a Clerk—he has been a friend. I thank God for our association over 25 years.
John has upheld the highest standards of professionalism in carrying out his role. As honourable members know, he has served in a number of important roles. John was originally appointed to the Legislative Council staff on 13 December 1971. He was later pointed as Usher of the Black Rod on 22 June 1977, which is the role he had when I first met him. In 1983 he was appointed as the Clerk Assistant. Later in 1986 he was appointed as the Deputy Clerk and finally on 22 August 1989 was appointed as Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council.
He has had to be a guide, leader and interpreter during many of the changes that have taken place over the 25 years I have been a member of this House, especially since 1989 as he has carried out the role of Clerk of the Parliaments. There have been massive changes to the way in which this House operates, especially after it became a democratically elected House. The development of the original Standing Committees and later the General Purpose Standing Committees meant the development of a series of intensive committees that needed to be staffed, organised and sorted out to ensure that they could continue to operate efficiently, not only to have meetings but also to conduct professional inquiries and to produce excellent reports. And John, assisted by members of his staff, has been the shepherd, shall I say, of that entire process. It has been a great pleasure to have known John for those 25 years. I wish him all the best in his retirement with his wife, Ann, and his two children, Damien and Meegan. I will continue to pray for God's richest blessing on you, John, in your retirement, and God's blessing on your family as well.
The Hon. Dr ARTHUR CHESTERFIELD-EVANS [6.10 p.m.]: I support the motion and thank John Evans very much. John has always been extremely helpful to me and to my predecessor, Elisabeth Kirkby. John has been a tireless champion of the strength of Parliament, the use of parliamentary committees and processes to bring democracy to New South Wales and to stand up to the somewhat arbitrary demands of the Executive. John has played an important part in that process and he has acted in a humane, sensible and humble fashion. He has been a friend to us all. Thank you, John.
The Hon. PETER BREEN [6.10 p.m.]: I also support the motion. The Clerk of the Parliaments, John Evans, has served this House for more than 30 years. It is a fine innings on a sticky wicket. I cannot imagine how he has balanced the competing interests and demands of so many political egos over such a long time, but balance them he has. I cannot recall one word of criticism of John Evans in my term in this House. John Evans has the remarkable ability to convince people that his ideas are their own. He has a gift for subtle persuasion. Perhaps I have had more to do with John Evans than most members because of the ICAC investigation into my use of parliamentary resources and allowances.
Honourable members would recall that the late John Marsden and I stood toe to toe with the ICAC and argued with it over every allegation. What is not so well known is that John Evans was the sounding board for all the arguments before they were presented to ICAC. His role in the investigation was to protect the interests of Parliament, but I discovered early in the proceedings that any argument that could not persuade John Evans should be abandoned. Whenever I have had a difficult decision to make as a member of this House, I have always consulted John Evans. I recall approaching him earlier this year about whether I should join the Labor Party. It so happened to be lunchtime and he suggested we take a walk to a produce market in Cook and Phillip Park to discuss the idea.
We looked at tomatoes, cheese, fruit and so on. Whenever I asked John what he thought about the idea of me joining the Labor Party, he pointed to the quality of the produce. Back in my office I realised that John Evans had studiously avoided every question I asked him about my joining the Labor Party. Some precedents he promised to send me about other members changing parties never turned up. Against all the rules I had learned in the ICAC inquiry I went ahead and joined the Labor Party. It was a mistake in hindsight to act precipitously without first hearing the words of the oracle.
Apart from John's gift for subtle persuasion, he is one of the most courteous and attentive people I have had the pleasure to meet. Nothing is too much trouble for him, even in the face of the most appalling distractions. I extend to John Evans my personal thanks for his guidance and advice. It has been a privilege to work with you, John, and I endorse the remarks of other members in wishing you all the best in the future.
Mr IAN COHEN [6.13 p.m.]: On behalf of the Greens I offer my congratulations on the services that John Evans has rendered to this Parliament. The way that you have represented members within the House and at a personal level is really quite remarkable. You have been able to deal with such unwieldy egos and great differences in all aspects of your work both within and outside Parliament with a degree of decorum that is impeccable. I have a degree of sadness in that your retirement is a significant loss of corporate knowledge, something that I personally appreciate. I know that you have been quintessentially and absolutely open in giving your time and energy to me and other Greens members of the House, as you have to every other member.
When I walk into your office, whether having been summoned or seeking advice, I always have the feeling that there is an air of order and grandeur in your suite in Parliament House—everything is in significant order, well laid out. That is quite the opposite of the environs that I tend to create. I appreciate that you always give a warm and friendly "G'day Ian, how are you?", regardless of any questions that I may ask. At only one time I attempted, in a rather feeble way, to challenge your decision, and that was the first time we met. You were giving a briefing to new members of Parliament, post-March 1995. You informed all who were gathered, most pointedly at me, that the House required we wear a jacket and tie. At that point I challenged you and said, "Well, I don't think it is actually a rule, it is —"
Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile: It is a convention.
Mr IAN COHEN: Yes, "a convention", and I thank Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile for that assistance. You gently, responsibly and reasonably were assertive to the point when I said, "Well, I will just have to wear a dress." That was the end of the matter. And you were truly magnanimous in that small loss, despite that early clash of culture. You have treated me as you have treated every other member, which I greatly appreciate. On behalf of the Greens I know I share the same sentiments of Ms Lee Rhiannon and Ms Sylvia Hale in wishing you the best in retirement. We thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts for the work you have done over the years since we came to Parliament.
The Hon. Dr PETER WONG [6.17 p.m.]: As someone who arrived here almost eight years ago with no party structure to support me, no understanding of parliamentary procedure and absolutely no idea of what legislation was all about, I consulted John Evans frequently, especially during my early days. He has rescued me from many sins. John Evans introduced me to the beauty of calligraphy, and I mean Chinese calligraphy. Thank you, John Evans. Have a happy retirement. I am sure we will meet again at the next Chinese calligraphy exhibition.
The Hon. ROBERT BROWN [6.18 p.m.]: I am one of newer members of the House. I came to this place with a great deal of trepidation. I support the motion. John, on my behalf, and on behalf of my predecessor, thanks very much.
The Hon. AMANDA FAZIO [6.18 p.m.]: I support the motion. The Hon. Rick Colless and I first encountered John Evans when we came in for our one-day induction program as new members who were sworn in on casual vacancies on the same day. The advice I received and the information I was given on the one day has held me in good stead in my time here. Since that day, whenever I have sought advice from the Clerk, he has been forthcoming with appropriate advice.
It is a sad day that John Evans is leaving, not just because we are losing the Clerk but because we are losing someone who represents something that we are losing generally in the community—that is, professional public servants who serve no matter who their masters are, of whatever political persuasion, in a fair, impartial and very professional way. We are losing those public servants from the Commonwealth public service and, to a certain extent, from the State public service. I wish John and his family all the best in his retirement. I hope that his retirement is a very long, happy and healthy one.
The PRESIDENT: John was born in Murwillumbah on 18 May 1947, the eldest child of Jess and Reg Evans. John has four sisters—Ellen, Ruth, Beth and Anne. John lived in Murwillumbah where his father was in the Ambulance Service and later was a cabinetmaker. John was five when the family moved to the nearby locality of Doon Doon, where his father commenced a banana plantation. John's primary schooling was at Doon Doon Public School, which was a one-teacher school with about 30 pupils. At the age of 12, and as there was no bus transport to attend high school in Murwillumbah, John went to the boys boarding hostel in Lismore where he attended Lismore High School.
During his high school days John was an accomplished hockey, cricket and tennis player and also enjoyed weekend soccer and cycling. He was also a member of the school cadet unit, achieving the rank of lance corporal. John also regularly attended Lismore Baptist Church. John completed the Intermediate Certificate at Lismore High School in 1962 and was dux of the school in woodwork, metalwork and technical drawing. In April 1963 John left school to join the public service in Sydney where he was employed in the police department. When he first moved to Sydney, John lived with his aunt and uncle, Joy and Peter Wilkinson at Frenchs Forest, before moving to live in Lewisham, New South Wales, at Petersham Baptist Church Boys Hostel. During his time at Petersham hostel, John was a regular worshipper at the Baptist Church, where he also became a deacon and Sunday schoolteacher.
It was while living at the hostel that John met Ann, through one of the fellow boarders who worked with Ann at the then Companies Office. During his early years in the police department, John worked at the head office in Phillip Street in Sydney and afterwards at the traffic infringement section in Redfern. It was while working here that John undertook studies in typing and shorthand to further his career. In 1969 John moved to board with a family in Bankstown while working as an inspector's clerk at the local police station. After training as an organisation and methods analyst with the Public Service Board, John was employed as a systems analyst in the administration and management research branch of the police department.
John commenced studies in 1970 for the Public Administration Certificate at Sydney Technical College and graduated in 1974. In December 1971 John resigned from the police department to commence employment with the Legislative Council as the office junior in the grandly titled position Clerk of Printed Papers. From there, with considerable talent but also a degree of luck as his senior officers either retired or, in one case, died in office, John rose through the ranks. He was appointed to the position of Usher of the Black Rod in August 1977, the youngest ever appointed to the position. He also held the positions of Clerk Assistant and later Deputy Clerk and was appointed Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council in May 1989.
During his time here John has served under five Presidents—Sir Harry Budd, Johno Johnson, Max Willis, Virginia Chadwick and me. All the former Presiding Officers, except for Harry Budd, are in the President's gallery as is a former Leader of the House, Ted Pickering. I extend a welcome to them all. Both as an officer and as the Clerk, John has achieved and been involved in some remarkable milestones in the history of this noble House. In 1977 he clerked the select committee on the bill to reform the Legislative Council, and organised and clerked the Free Conference of Managers held in 1978 under the deadlock provisions of the Constitution Act. He oversighted the establishment of the Council's committee system in 1988, and has been active in the ongoing development of the committee process, which has seen the growth of a strong estimates process and the advent of general purpose standing committees.
John is a staunch supporter of this House's powers and privileges, and its role in superintending the Executive Government. He was a key adviser to the then President when the power of this House to order the production of documents was challenged by the executive, resulting in legal battles in both the Supreme Court and the High Court of Australia. As we all know, the Council triumphed on both occasions. The past 10 years have seen far-reaching changes to the way in which the Council does its business, and this has resulted in a significant increase in the workload and complexity of the role of Clerk of the Parliaments.
Throughout this period John has provided strong leadership and professional management to a highly skilled and competent staff, achieving the first major revision of the standing orders in over 100 years, and the drafting of a major work on upper House practice in New South Wales, due for publication in 2007, which draws together in one scholarly volume the history and procedures of the Council since its inception as an appointed Council in 1824. In addition to his services as Clerk of the Parliaments, we are all aware of John's outstanding skills in the fields of calligraphy and woodworking. Many of us here have benefited from his expertise in these areas, not least the office of President, where John's ability to craft magnificent inscriptions in the official Visitors Book has been truly appreciated. Such is his skill in calligraphy he has been called upon on numerous occasions to write inscriptions on behalf of Her Excellency the Governor.
John has a Bachelor of Legal Studies from Macquarie University. In 2002 John was awarded the Public Service Medal in the Australian honours system for services to the Parliament of New South Wales. John is an extraordinarily knowledgeable Clerk. His professionalism and commitment to the institution of Parliament and to the Council in particular are acknowledged by his colleagues, both here and throughout the Commonwealth. He will be remembered well by all who have worked with him and his presence will be sadly missed by members and staff alike. I wish John and his wife Ann, who is here in my gallery with their daughter Meegan, all the very best in the coming years. I am told that his son Damien is in the air on his way back to Australia. Enjoy your retirement John. You deserve it.
Members and officers stood in acclamation.
Motion agreed to.