The Weekly Times - TWT - 26th June 2019

8 THE WEEKLY TIMES Wednesday 26 June, 2019
John Booth AM
Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS (Lane Cove—Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections) (5 June 2019,
19:02:41): Friends in this House and people of New South Wales, it is my honour today to announce my nomination for
the 2019 NSW Government Community Service Award. We are fortunate in Lane Cove to be rich beyond measure with
men and women willing to donate their time and energies for a greater cause. Members of the local State Emergency
Service and Landcare branches, Meals on Wheels, Happy Hens, students raising funds for worthwhile causes and parents
educating our youth are but a few I can name. However, today I would like us to focus on one individual in particular.
Napoleon’s quip that “four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets” neatly condenses
the effect John Booth and The Weekly Times have on our local representatives. As Booth’s humble masthead surges into
its ninety-eighth year, it is worth pausing to reflect on the indelible impact John has had on our beautiful electorate. John
and The Weekly Times have never shied from a fight, waging war to defend historical buildings, schools and parks, fighting
amalgamations and giving a voice to the silent communities who live amongst us. Politicians or individuals who were
getting too big for their boots were quickly cut to size. This did not endear John to some people. A couple of strong men
made sure he knew of their displeasure. However, John outlasted them, attending the funerals of those old rivals to, in
his words, “make sure they were in their coffins”. He began the Ombudsman campaign which has gone on to serve many
thousands across New South Wales. From 1964 until its official inception as a government institution, John was synonymous
with providing locals with an avenue of appeal, a fair go. In fact, an amendment in a bill to prevent other groups from
calling themselves “the Ombudsman” was affectionately called the “Booth amendment”.
John’s achievements are not limited to his work with The Weekly Times. Born at home on Blaxland Road in 1932—
the same year as that other magnificent monument of Sydney, the Harbour Bridge—Boothy, his twin brother and sister
grew up in Ryde when it was farms and dirt roads. He attended Ryde Public School and then went on to Sydney Technical
High School. He says his best memory of school was the day he left. As a young man he was a copyboy at The Daily
Telegraph when it was headed by Sir Frank Packer and then he had a cadetship in the country papers. This career was
cut short when John’s father sadly succumbed to old war wounds in 1952. He went back to his dad and mum’s cake shop
and, as we all know, bought the business from his mum in 1957.
In 1959 John decided to take a step into politics, joining Ryde Council. Soon after he achieved the fabled position of
the mayor of Ryde. As one of his first moves he upped the rates. It is safe to say that that decision was highly unpopular.
So unpopular were the rate increases the unions put a black ban on John and for some time he could not get a cold beer
or his mail. However, this courageous political move gave the council the funds it needed to give Ryde the infrastructure it
was crying out for. For the first time Ryde developed a town plan. Roads, sewers, drainage and a swimming centre quickly
followed and large signs were erected around the suburb letting the community know the extra taxes were not going to
waste. John bought land to be used as sports ovals and helped lay the groundwork for a green belt which now hosts Macquarie
University. Interestingly, there was a campaign at the time opposed to the concept, as universities do not pay rates.
On behalf of a grateful community I thank you, John. Many hundreds of thousands of people across this State have
benefited from your perseverance and vision. We are fortunate that you crossed our way. John’s bold vision is the type of
vision that drives our State and demonstrates the success of the New South Wales Government, the union of a booming
economy, strategic planning and a government determined to improve the lives of its citizens. On behalf of my community,
to John Booth and his partner, Ulrike, who is currently in Austria, we give grateful thanks for your leadership, vision and
dedication to our community, which you have made so much stronger.
The Hon Anthony Roberts MP
Member for Lane Cove
Anthony Roberts MP
Member for Lane Cove
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Tel: 9817 4757