Delegates attending the Inland Rail Conference in Toowoomba were enormously saddened to learn of former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer’s passing, and paid tribute to his passion and commitment to the Australian rail industry with a standing ovation.
Tim Fischer was passionate about rail and rail safety, as well as mental health issues in the industry, as evidenced by his service as the inaugural patron of Tracksafe Foundation in 2012 and as an advocate for Rail Safety Week.
“Tim was a tireless and energetic advocate for rail in Australia and was one of the driving forces behind the Inland Rail Project, said Australasian Railway Association CEO Danny Broad.
“He leaves a lasting legacy as a visionary leader for the industry who had a unique connection to rural and regional Australians.
“His keen appreciation of the role rail can play supporting regional communities and unlocking economic growth will be felt by generations to come, right around Australia.
“Tim Fischer’s capacity for connecting with Australians from all walks of life was renowned, as was his commitment to service,” said Australian Logistics Council CEO Kirk Coningham.
“As a passionate advocate for regional Australia, Tim well understood the need for freight infrastructure projects like Inland Rail in order to boost productivity and support Australian exporters.”
“His loss will be keenly felt by many involved in the rail freight sector, and across regional Australia broadly. We all owe Tim Fischer an enormous debt of gratitude for his lifetime of dedicated service in the military, in politics, in diplomacy and in community life.”
The thoughts of the Australasian Railway Association, the Australian Logistics Council and all conference participants are with Tim Fischer’s family at this time.
ENDS