Last night Sir Nicholas Shehadie, a living symbol of multicultural Australia and a pivotal figure in the formation of SBS and its Chairperson, has passed away.
Sir Nicholas was a living example of Australia’s successful multiculturalism. He was born in Sydney to a Lebanese family and achieving remarkable success not only in sport as a great rugby player, but later as Lord Mayor of Sydney as well as in his time as Chair of SBS from 1981 and 1999. I pay tribute to his achievements.
Nick was a distinguish member of the Prime Minister Hawke’s Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs – I cherish working together with him to develop the 1989 National Agenda for a Multicultural Australia. I also admired his wisdom, purposefulness and deep culture and respectful manner. His contribution to Australian multiculturalism will not be forgotten.
My sympathy and best wishes go to his widow, the former Governor of NSW, Dame Marie Bashir, and to his family.
Rest in Peace.

2014-09-03 Cameron Murphy AM Investiture