The Honourable Con Sciacca AO

On behalf of the Queensland Government, I wish to pay tribute to The Honourable Con Sciacca AO, who passed away in Brisbane yesterday, aged 70.

Con was the former Federal Member for Bowman and served as Minister in both the Hawke and Keating Governments across various portfolios including Arts and Veterans’ Affairs. 

Con was a larger than life character who brought energy and vibrancy to any room he entered.

He was a true gentleman who was genuine, generous to a fault, a mentor to many and a true believer.

His passion for life was contagious.

Con was one of those rare politicians who crossed the political divide, and was respected and admired by people of all political persuasions.

The many tributes to Con that have poured out since people heard of his passing are a testament to the high esteem in which he was held right across the community.

Many will remember Con for the small gestures and gifts that he gave of his time, knowledge, experience and perception, as much as for his greater contribution to our community.

An iconic Queenslander who contributed much to the Queensland we live in today, particularly to our veterans in his role as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Con’s legacy will live on.

Con will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Our love and thoughts go to his wife Karen, his daughter Zina and granddaughter Grace and his step-sons Nicholas and Daniel.

We thank them for sharing Con with us with such generosity.