Premier’s trip postponed
HE was due to visit Israel this week, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been forced to postpone his trip following the tragic death of government minister Fiona Richardson.
HE was due to visit Israel this week, but Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been forced to postpone his trip following the tragic death of government minister Fiona Richardson.
The Member of the Legislative Assembly for Northcote, who served as Minister for Women and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, passed away last Wednesday at the age of 50 following a battle with cancer.
During his trip, Andrews had been due to hold talks with a number of key figures with a view to developing partnerships between Victoria and Israel in a number of fields including medical technology and cybersecurity.
Speaking to The AJN this week, the Premier said he hopes the trip can be rearranged soon.
“Due to tragic circumstances, our visit to Israel had to be postponed,” he said.
“A lot of work has gone into the visit and I especially want to thank the Israelis for their understanding and assistance in putting the program together.”
“We hope to reschedule soon so that we can continue to build on the strong relationship between Victoria and Israel.”
Among those paying tribute to Richardson was former vice-president of the Victorian ALP and communal stalwart Henry Pinskier, who knew her for almost 20 years and who recalled hosting her at a number of family seders and simchas.
“Fiona, Victoria’s first Minister for Family Violence Prevention was a remarkable individual who had a strong affinity to our Jewish community,” he said.
“She will be sadly missed by all her knew her, all who loved her.”
Also paying tribute was president of the Rabbinic Council of Australia and New Zealand Rabbi Yaakov Glasman, himself a White Ribbon ambassador.
“The powerful impact Fiona made in the prevention of family violence has been appropriately acknowledged by both sides of politics,” reflected Rabbi Glasman.
“Despite the abuse she endured in her personal life, she emerged as a fierce advocate of women’s rights and did so with grace and dignity until the end.”
AJN STAFF
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