Statement on the passing of Bruce Ruxton
Posted on Saturday, 24 December 2011
Bruce Ruxton was a great advocate for ex-service personnel. He was frequently controversial but no one could be in any doubt about where he stood and he often gave expression to important but unfashionable values.
To the extent that there is a silent majority, Bruce was often its spokesman.
He was a strong supporter of keeping the Crown in the Australian Constitution. He saw the monarch as an important symbol of continuity and stability as well as a key part of our constitutional heritage.
He also had the priceless gift of a sense of humour which could defuse and transform what might otherwise have been a rancorous argument. I appreciated the chance to share a platform with Bruce on occasions during the constitutional debate of the 1990s.
Bruce would have been proud of the reception the Queen received on her recent visit and even prouder of the respect that is now universally accorded to our armed forces. He deserves considerable credit for preserving these characteristics of modern Australia.
24 December 2011