02 March 08 - 22:16Sid Spindler

Former Democrats Senator for Victoria, Sid Spindler passed away yesterday.
Andrew Bartlett has posted about Sid's death, and there are several articles available online.

Sid was a great humanitarian. The work he did on campaigning for an end to discrimination against GLBTI people as a senator inspired me to join the Dems (before I became a member my housemate showed me all the things he was doing on this issue in the senate, so I joined the Monash Uni democrats, and the subsequently, the main party).

His work in support of migrants and refugee was outstanding, and he was a powerful human rights advocate who achieved so much throughout his life. The Australian Democrats gained so much through his work in helping found the party, in helping to keep it going, and from his work in the senate. It was privilege to hear him speak on many occasions, and he also had superb political knowledge and campaigning skills.

Sid was one of the most persuasive speakers I have ever heard. My friend Daniel and I joked that he had Jedi Mind powers - he could walk into State Council and sway the room to his point of view in a couple of minutes. It could be very frustrating if you were on the wrong side of the debate. That said, though, 99.5% of the time he was spot on. He continued to work for human rights after he had retired from the senate, and his life is an inspiration for how much a single individual can do to help others.

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