Mr PEDERICK (Hammond) (14:23): I rise to make a contribution to the life of the Hon. Sir Eric Neal AC CVO. He was born in Rotherhithe, London, on 3 June 1924, the oldest of four children with three younger sisters. He left school at the age of 16 to enter the workforce, but further advanced his education by studying engineering at the South Australian School of Mines. He pursued an apprenticeship at the South Australian Gas Company, where he became skilled in plumbing and gasfitting. His successful career as an engineer led to him becoming an impressive businessman, which included positions such as Director of BHP, John Fairfax Holdings and AMP, Chairperson of Westpac and Atlas Copco, and a 14-year stint as Chief Executive Officer of Boral.

In 1981, Sir Eric was appointed to a committee to review Australia's Higher Defence Organisation. The following year, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor for his services to Australian industry. In 1988, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for services to commerce and to the community, and in 1992 he was awarded a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

Sir Eric was heavily involved with the veteran community during his life. In 1992, he received the United States Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service in recognition of his contribution to mark the 50^th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, as Chair of the council that organised commemorative events in Australia. He was awarded honorary life membership of the Returned and Services League of Australia for his commitment to the defence and veteran communities in South Australia. Sir Eric was also an Honorary Air Commodore of the City of Adelaide Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force, and Honorary Colonel of the Royal South Australia Regiment while he served as Governor of South Australia from 1996 to 2001.

In April 2008, Sir Eric was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the Veterans' Advisory Council, which was established to promote the wellbeing of South Australian veterans and provide advice to the state government. During his time as Chair of the VAC, Sir Eric passionately advocated for increased recognition of military service and improved medical care for veterans and their families. He was deeply involved in the planning of, and was pivotal in securing funding for, South Australia's ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk. He also took a leading role in the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander War Memorial, and was Patron Emeritus of the Virtual War Memorial Australia.

Sir Eric's term as Chair of the Veterans' Advisory Council concluded after eight years, on 23 April 2015. Fittingly, it coincided with the unveiling of the Memorial Walk, which he was so heavily involved with. Sir Eric remained a highly respected member of the veteran community in his final years, with his involvement leaving an enduring mark. To his family, I say thank you. Vale to the Hon. Sir Eric James Neal AC CVO.