Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong—Leader of the Opposition) (14:08): Today we offer our heartfelt condolences to Wayne Goss's wife, Roisin, his children, Ryan and Caitlin, and his many friends, colleagues and fellow Queenslanders who felt his loss. We give thanks for Wayne Goss's life and we celebrate his legacy. It was the injustice of the Whitlam dismissal that brought Wayne Goss to Labor, and Wayne, in turn, brought Queensland Labor back from the brink. His historic victory in 1989 marked the end of the malaise and the corruption that had eaten away at Queensland democracy during the tail end of 32 years of conservative rule. It was, as the Prime Minister has said, the beginning of a new era under a new, progressive, reforming premier. A man of formidable intellect and powerful social conscience, a man who, as his close friend the member for Lilley has put it, dragged Queensland out of the darkness and into the sunshine. The Goss government rebuilt Queensland, restoring fairness and transparency to the electoral system, bringing in merit based appointments for the public service and implementing the Fitzgerald inquiry into police corruption. Goss's reforms modernised Queensland, decriminalising homosexuality, creating new national parks, preserving precious forests and abolishing the anachronistic imperial honours system. The Goss government proudly appointed Queensland's first female judge and Queensland's first female governor. When he lost government in 1996, Goss bowed out of the premiership with a sincere and graceful message: Thank you, Queensland— he said— You've been good to me. I hope I've left you a better place. Wayne Goss achieved so much for the state that he served and he certainly left it a better place. If cancer had not cheated him of a second act and a federal seat his star may have brighter shone still. This year, Labor has mourned the passing of Neville Wran and Gough Whitlam, giants of our movement, heroes to of people, leaders who changed the society for the better. Wayne Goss stands proudly in their esteemed company. After all he did and all he built, all that he saved and all that he changed, he will live long in the history of his state and in the hearts of his people. May he rest in peace. The SPEAKER: As a mark of respect, I ask all present to stand in their places. Honourable members having stood in their places— The SPEAKER: I thank members.