The life and legacy of former Northern Territory politician Grant Tambling was honoured today in a state funeral in Darwin. A champion of Territory rights the 81-year-old was remembered for standing up for Aboriginal issues and advocating for voluntary assisted dying.
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00:00A man of conviction and unique territory character.
00:09Described as one of the founding fathers of the Northern Territory, former country Liberal
00:14Party politician Grant Tambling has been honoured in a state funeral.
00:19His passion for statehood, economic development and regional advancement defined his career
00:24in politics.
00:26Mr Tambling's long political career includes serving as a Darwin councillor, a member of
00:31the NT's first fully elected Legislative Assembly, deputy leader of the party, now
00:38known as the CLP, and a federal senator.
00:41He had an amazing ability to work the floor and the capacity to listen and reserve judgement.
00:47He is believed still to be the only Australian to have served in all three tiers of government.
00:54Mr Tambling was passionate about advocating for the rights of Territorians, including
00:59access to voluntary assisted dying.
01:02In 1997 he vigorously opposed the introduction of a federal law to overturn the Territory's
01:09laws permitting voluntary assisted dying.
01:13His illustrious career finally came to an end in 2001 when he refused a CLP directive
01:20to vote against restrictions on online gambling.
01:24And that is now how we should remember him, as a man who had a notable parliamentary career
01:31but was always a man of principle and conscience.
01:35But behind his advocacy and speeches in parliament was a man proud of his family.
01:41Grant's wife, children and grandchildren were his greatest love.
01:46A loving man leaving behind a big legacy.