BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
NSW Greens MP, John Kaye died on Monday night after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He was 60.
John Kaye was born in Melbourne in 1955. He studied a bachelor of engineering at the University of Melbourne, as well as a Masters in Engineering Science. He received his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.
Prior to parliament, Dr Kaye had a background in teaching at UNSW in areas of sustainable energy and greenhouse issues.
He went on to explore more social and environmental problems when he joined NSW parliament in 2007. There, his portfolios included education, energy, consumer affairs, water, as well as racing and gaming.
He brought a passion and highly principled belief in the things that were most important to him, most notably public education. Osman Faruqi said on Twitter that when John Kaye found out he had cancer, Premier Mike Baird asked if there was anything he could do. “Yeah mate you can stop gutting TAFE” was Dr Kaye’s response.
Colleague NSW MLC David Shoebridge said that the Greens as well as the NSW Parliament had lost a member of enormous principle, energy and commitment.
“John was a tireless champion of public education, leading the national debate on education funding with an unflagging commitment to TAFE and public schools. Public schools and TAFE colleges in this State are stronger, better resourced and more prominent in the national debate due to the work of Dr Kaye.”
Mr Shoebridge said that stopping the Tillegra Dam in the Hunter Valley being built was a personal highlight for Mr Kaye.
Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon said, “John’s death is a blow for the Greens and the broader progressive movement.”
“The depth of his commitment to public education, climate action and strengthening democracy was reflected in his tireless work. His strong policy work and ability to turn political analysis into broad based campaigns was outstanding.”
He is survived by partner Lynne, siblings Dina, Andrew and Stephen. A private service will be held this week and a public celebration of his life will be announced soon.
