MATTERS OF INTEREST: Mr Phillip Beddall

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (Minister for Human Services) (15:38): I rise to acknowledge the life of Mr Phillip Beddall. Phillip Beddall sadly passed away unexpectedly on 30 August. He was known as a strong and active advocate for disability and social justice and was involved in a number of organisations and campaigns. In the 1980s and 1990s, Mr Beddall worked at Disability Action Inc., the major disability advocacy agency in South Australia.

He was a long-time contributor and presenter at the 5RPH (Radio Print Handicapped radio, which is what the acronym means) disability radio program. He was well known for his direct questioning and use of humour to get the best out of guests on his program. Both federal and state ministers were regular guests on the show. With 30 years' experience in both community and commercial broadcasting, he also provided training and support to others in the effective use of media.

Over the years, Mr Beddall was a member of a number of boards, including: Enhanced Lifestyles, which he was chair of at his passing; the Dignity Party, as vice-president; deputy chair of the South Australian Council of Social Services, for which he was awarded honorary life membership in 2007; an active member of the Young People in Nursing Homes National Alliance, as chair and SA coordinator; chair of Access 2 Arts; chairperson of Community Support Incorporated; and a board member of Shelter SA.

Mr Beddall was also involved with the Disabled Persons International SA branch, the Adelaide city council access committee, the home and community care advisory committee, Access Cabs advisory committee, the SA Dental Service Consumer Advisory Panel since 2016 and chair of the panel since 2018. In 2018, Mr Beddall stood as the Dignity Party candidate for West Torrens in the South Australian election. As recently as six weeks ago, he was involved in media in relation to the disability accessible city south tram stop. He was also very involved in other campaigns that were of great importance to him, including the barriers to justice campaign, the voluntary euthanasia campaign and legalisation of marijuana campaign.

Phillip was known for his dry sense of humour. He will be forever remembered for his leadership during a time of major disability reform and his unwavering vision for an inclusive society accessible to everyone. His passion was to see a world which recognises that we all have abilities, that people are not subject to discrimination and we all have a right to be treated fairly and justly. His funeral and celebration of life will take place at Influencers Church Paradise this Saturday at 1.30. As SACOSS has said, 'No longer having Phillip's continuing friendship is a great loss.' Vale, Phillip Beddall.