Farewell to loyal, decent senator

FORMER Liberal senator Brian Gibson has been remembered as a dedicated, decent and intellectual man by his friends and colleagues.

Mr Gibson, 80, died on Tuesday after a battle with cancer.

Before he was elected to the Senate in 1993, Mr Gibson was managing director of Australian Newsprint Mills, now Norske Skog, from 1980-1983 and Hydro Electric Commission chairman from 1989-1993.

Mr Gibson was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988 for his contribution to business, politics and the community.

Premier Will Hodgman said Mr Gibson would be remembered as one of Tasmania’s most successful business executives.

“He was a proud member of the Liberal Party in Tasmania who represented the state in the Senate from 1993 to 2002. His business experience and a strong understanding of energy issues and workplace relations was invaluable to the political debate at the time,” Mr Hodgman said.

Former Tasmanian premier Ray Groom said Mr Gibson had been a great friend and colleague. “He was such a dedicated person,” he said.

Liberal senator Eric Abetz said Mr Gibson’s death would be felt by many. “Brian was decent, competent and intelligent,” Senator Abetz said.

Brian Gibson is survived by his wife, Pauline, and three children, David, Kieran and Sharon.