Don Randall: Federal Liberal MP for West Australian electorate of Canning found dead

Don Randall, the federal member for the West Australian electorate of Canning, has been found dead.

Police have confirmed Mr Randall was found dead in Boddington, south of Perth.

A spokesman says his cause of death is unknown but it is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Randall, 62, served as the Member for Swan from 1996 to 1998 and had represented Canning since November 2001.

He worked as a teacher and a marketing consultant before entering politics.

The backbencher played a key role in moves to oust Tony Abbott from the Prime Ministership earlier this year.

Mr Randall gained a reputation as an outspoken politician and his career had been marked by controversy.

He had been embroiled in scandals over travel expenses and was absent when Federal Parliament unanimously passed a motion apologising to the stolen generations.


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-21/federal-liberal-mp-donrandall-found-dead/6638170


Condolences to his family.

Lets hope he didn't die of shame, thanks to abbott.

By-election details.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/federal-election-2013/guide/cann/

Twitter condolences coming in from lib ministers ... yet Abbott is silent.

twitter.com/tonyabbottmhr

How long before abbott says something?

Okay, I'm gonno go hard nose and remember this is a political forum not a condolence occasion.

This means Abbott will face the people.  A real Poll, from which practical conclusions can be drawn.

Thanks Bronwyn.  You may have helped the cause.

Exactly.

Abbott will be judged at this by-election and the mob can then decide if they want to go to the slaughter behind him ... or dump him before the federal election.

Time for Turnbull to step up and take control.

____ wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 7:44pm:

Twitter condolences coming in from lib ministers ... yet Abbott is silent. twitter.com/tonyabbottmhr How long before abbott says something?

I'm sure Abbott will say something soon. This news has only just broken in the last hour or so.

IMO this is not a time for the usual political narkiness. A person has died and he will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to his family.

What a bunch of disgusting €***$ you lefty maggots are...

Trying to politically point score off a dead mans body...

I wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire... >:(

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 7:59pm:

What a bunch of disgusting €***$ you lefty maggots are... Trying to politically point score off a dead mans body... I wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire... >:(

That's okay Mechanic.  I doubt you'll ever be anywhere near me if ever I am on fire.  I am here to talk about politics, not condolences.  His Family would never read that anyway.

Bring on the by-election, and let's see how Abbott is really travelling.

Like Regressives do over drowned refugees.?

This guy was one of the good liberals ... and his aim was to dump abbott.
And I would suppose he would be happy if his death serves as momentum to that end.

Condolences to the family and friends and thanks for the attempt at making Australia a better place by trying to shaft Abort.

Aussie wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 8:04pm:

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 7:59pm: What a bunch of disgusting €***$ you lefty maggots are... Trying to politically point score off a dead mans body... I wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire... >:( That's okay Mechanic.  I doubt you'll ever be anywhere near me if ever I am on fire.  I am here to talk about politics, not condolences.  His Family would never read that anyway. Bring on the by-election, and let's see how Abbott is really travelling.

Wouldn't get to excited , I can tell you the conservative voters over this way form a significant majority and are without doubt the slowest of all of them, they were still thinking Tony was doing a good job 6 months after every other state was panning him. Welcome to WA.

Its time wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 8:12pm:

Aussie wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 8:04pm: President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 7:59pm: What a bunch of disgusting €***$ you lefty maggots are... Trying to politically point score off a dead mans body... I wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire... >:( That's okay Mechanic.  I doubt you'll ever be anywhere near me if ever I am on fire.  I am here to talk about politics, not condolences.  His Family would never read that anyway. Bring on the by-election, and let's see how Abbott is really travelling. Wouldn't get to excited , I can tell you the conservative voters over this way form a significant majority and are without doubt the slowest of all of them, they were still thinking Tony was doing a good job 6 months after every other state was panning him. Welcome to WA.

The chances of Labor taking Canning are about as great as Mechanic getting to piss any fire on me, out.  But ~ There will be a swing against Abbott for certain.

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 7:59pm:

What a bunch of disgusting €***$ you lefty maggots are... Trying to politically point score off a dead mans body... I wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire... >:(

maybe he died of shame?  :D :D :D

OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o

cods wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 9:37pm:

OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o

don't be so callous all the time

Poor buggar... probably heart.

My condolences to family...

http://www.abc.net.au/news/image/6638156-3x2-340x227.jpg
Don Randall: Federal Liberal MP for West Australian electorate of Canning found dead
Summary of article: describes the circumstances of his death, and colleagues from Federal and state politics from across the political spectrum pay tribute starting with a statement from Abbott and Shorten.

John Smith wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 9:59pm:

cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time

Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only!

cods wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 9:37pm:

OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o

wow........

One of the (few) decent Libs.

Go in peace, Don.

Quote:

He had been embroiled in scandals over travel expenses

The FIRST of this government, I believe
But he paid it back, when he got caught

http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/no-explanation-wa-liberal-mp-don-randall-pays-back-cash-for-cairns-trip-20131017-2vqth.html

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 5:30am:

John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only!

one could 'feel' the pleasure from the lefties.. he died of a heart attack at 62...leaves a wife and two children .. not pleasant...I trust I never ever get excited about the death of a labor minister....I believe in Karma....

cods wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 8:35am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 5:30am: John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only! one could 'feel' the pleasure from the lefties.. he died of a heart attack at 62...leaves a wife and two children .. not pleasant...I trust I never ever get excited about the death of a labor minister....I believe in Karma....

Sutra?

Or are you a hindu?

cods wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 8:35am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 5:30am: John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only! one could 'feel' the pleasure from the lefties.. he died of a heart attack at 62...leaves a wife and two children .. not pleasant...I trust I never ever get excited about the death of a labor minister....I believe in Karma....

No one got excited that I can see. The only thing that came close was your 'joy' post but we know that was sarcasm.

He was a smart Lib, he wanted to ditch Abbott.

It's still ok to talk politics if a pollie passes on.


I've re-read every post and I can't feel the slightest joy from anyone, only condolences.

Kat wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 7:38am:

One of the (few) decent Libs. Go in peace, Don.

I'm surprised you say that.  The man made a big song and dance about not wanting to say sorry. It says a lot about his character (or lack thereof) for me I'm afraid.   

____ wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 8:52am:

cods wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 8:35am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 5:30am: John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only! one could 'feel' the pleasure from the lefties.. he died of a heart attack at 62...leaves a wife and two children .. not pleasant...I trust I never ever get excited about the death of a labor minister....I believe in Karma.... Sutra?

No I don't think Karmasutra is a solitary endeavour.

Yet another one who had contempt for taxpayer money and used it for personal travel.

Just because he is dead doesn't mean he is above criticism.

That said, condolences to the family.

Bam wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 7:57pm:

____ wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 7:44pm: Twitter condolences coming in from lib ministers ... yet Abbott is silent. twitter.com/tonyabbottmhr How long before abbott says something? I'm sure Abbott will say something soon. This news has only just broken in the last hour or so. IMO this is not a time for the usual political narkiness. A person has died and he will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to his family.

well said. so far, the commentary has been the usual garbage from the usual suspects. Aussie of course, has no interest in the fallout of the early or violent deaths of others (refer my signature block)

"He was strong"

That's all abbott could say about the guy !

Strong as body smells?

If abbott had nothing to say, perhaps his puppet masters should gag him. Like thay do with him not appearing on qanda.

ImSpartacus2 wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 9:23am:

Kat wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 7:38am: One of the (few) decent Libs. Go in peace, Don. I'm surprised you say that.  The man made a big song and dance about not wanting to say sorry. It says a lot about his character (or lack thereof) for me I'm afraid.

You may not agree with his decision here, but had he attended, there would have been others who disagreed with that. No person lives their life pleasing everyone all the time.

At a difficult time like this, it is more appropriate to focus on the good that he has done. For example, he represented his electorate with distinction and was well liked by many in the Parliament from across the political spectrum.

I suggest everyone read the article I linked, it shows the regard with which he was held in the political arena.

Vale.

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 5:30am:

John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only!

you used a dictionary didn't you ? ;D ;D ;D ;D

longweekend58 wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 9:43am:

Bam wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 7:57pm: ____ wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 7:44pm: Twitter condolences coming in from lib ministers ... yet Abbott is silent. twitter.com/tonyabbottmhr How long before abbott says something? I'm sure Abbott will say something soon. This news has only just broken in the last hour or so. IMO this is not a time for the usual political narkiness. A person has died and he will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to his family. well said. so far, the commentary has been the usual garbage from the usual suspects. Aussie of course, has no interest in the fallout of the early or violent deaths of others (refer my signature block)

really? up until mechanic and cods decided to use it as an excuse to attack lefties, their was no garbage.

by the way, you have a hide talking about Aussie making stupid comments, after you once said lefties should be blown up by a terrorist just to learn a lesson .... aussie has no interest, you instead look forward to it.

John Smith wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 11:54am:

up until mechanic and cods decided to use it as an excuse to attack lefties, their was no garbage.

Unless you count this ...


____ wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 7:32pm:

Lets hope he didn't die of shame, thanks to abbott.

Which is no worse really than right-wingers have said in the past (see the death of Gillard's father for examples). Two wrongs, however, do not make a right.

We must remember our humanity. Someone has died. It is best to reflect on his life.

On the likely timing of the by-election, it is the first time that a sitting Member of the House of Representatives has died in office since the death of Liberal Peter Nugent in 2001. That by-election was held about 11 weeks after Nugent's death with the writs issued after five weeks.

Canning is a very safe liberal seat, with margin > 10%.  I do not think there will be any problems for PM Abbott to get someone to retain it.   Plus there also will be sympathy votes as well.   May be even get the family or a political friend to endorse or even nominate for the by-election.    This would be actually a good chance for PM Abbott to fully cement his position until the next federal election.

This could also be a chance for Labor as well.  Although I fully doubt that they have enough swing there to win a safe liberal seat.   The best  thing that Labor can hope for, is to gain as much swing as possible, by going after the grassroot issues like GST, medicare changes, pension, education etc, e.g. the broken election promises. 

Bam wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 12:32pm:

Unless you count this .

I missed that ... I often skim Greens posts as he can be rather tiresome. Besides, the greens aren't much better than the right.

Aussie wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 7:47pm:

Okay, I'm gonno go hard nose and remember this is a political forum not a condolence occasion. This means Abbott will face the people.  A real Poll, from which practical conclusions can be drawn. Thanks Bronwyn.  You may have helped the cause.

This may be a politics forum, but it doesn't mean you have to be a Richard-Head.

John Smith wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 11:48am:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 5:30am: John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only! you used a dictionary didn't you ? ;D ;D ;D ;D

I'm genuinely surprised. I didn't think you knew what a dictionary was! :o

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 2:01pm:

John Smith wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 11:48am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 5:30am: John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only! you used a dictionary didn't you ? ;D ;D ;D ;D I'm genuinely surprised. I didn't think you knew what a dictionary was! :o

Just because I don't often need them .... unlike you! ;D ;D ;D

tickleandrose wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 12:48pm:

Canning is a very safe liberal seat, with margin > 10%.  I do not think there will be any problems for PM Abbott to get someone to retain it.   Plus there also will be sympathy votes as well.   May be even get the family or a political friend to endorse or even nominate for the by-election.    This would be actually a good chance for PM Abbott to fully cement his position until the next federal election. This could also be a chance for Labor as well.  Although I fully doubt that they have enough swing there to win a safe liberal seat.   The best  thing that Labor can hope for, is to gain as much swing as possible, by going after the grassroot issues like GST, medicare changes, pension, education etc, e.g. the broken election promises.

The remarks about Randall have mentioned how he was a strong local member who fought hard for his electorate. To me, this suggests that he may have had a significant personal vote. If so, there would likely be a swing to Labor at the by-election, but we will not be able to use that as a litmus test for the Abbott government.

John Smith wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 2:02pm:

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 2:01pm: John Smith wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 11:48am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 5:30am: John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only! you used a dictionary didn't you ? ;D ;D ;D ;D I'm genuinely surprised. I didn't think you knew what a dictionary was! :o Just because I don't often need them .... unlike you! ;D ;D ;D

That explains your lack of spelling and grammar skills. Even at 37, there's still the odd word I need to look up when doing the crossword on Saturday mornings. You should try it - it's a good way to exercise your brain... oh, sorry. Yeah, not much point in that for you, is there?

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 2:11pm:

John Smith wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 2:02pm: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 2:01pm: John Smith wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 11:48am: Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 5:30am: John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:59pm: cods wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 9:37pm: OH JOY.....a dead Lib.... :o don't be so callous all the time Yeah Cods. Johnny doesn't like it when people muscle in on his turf. Callous is for Johnny only! you used a dictionary didn't you ? ;D ;D ;D ;D I'm genuinely surprised. I didn't think you knew what a dictionary was! :o Just because I don't often need them .... unlike you! ;D ;D ;D That explains your lack of spelling and grammar skills. Even at 37, there's still the odd word I need to look up when doing the crossword on Saturday mornings. You should try it - it's a good way to exercise your brain... oh, sorry. Yeah, not much point in that for you, is there?

perhaps next time you are doing your crossword you can look up the word 'need'.

From the look of things, your brain needs all the exercise it can get.  ;D ;D ;D

Armchair_Politician wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 2:01pm:

Aussie wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 7:47pm: Okay, I'm gonno go hard nose and remember this is a political forum not a condolence occasion. This means Abbott will face the people.  A real Poll, from which practical conclusions can be drawn. Thanks Bronwyn.  You may have helped the cause. This may be a politics forum, but it doesn't mean you have to be a Richard-Head.

He can't help himself. It comes naturally.

Bam wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 11:00am:

ImSpartacus2 wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 9:23am: Kat wrote on Jul 22nd, 2015 at 7:38am: One of the (few) decent Libs. Go in peace, Don. I'm surprised you say that.  The man made a big song and dance about not wanting to say sorry. It says a lot about his character (or lack thereof) for me I'm afraid. You may not agree with his decision here, but had he attended, there would have been others who disagreed with that. No person lives their life pleasing everyone all the time. At a difficult time like this, it is more appropriate to focus on the good that he has done. For example, he represented his electorate with distinction and was well liked by many in the Parliament from across the political spectrum. I suggest everyone read the article I linked, it shows the regard with which he was held in the political arena. Vale.

thank you for an excellent post. Deaths like this do a great deal to identify who the real maggots are in fora like this.

John Smith wrote on Jul 21^st, 2015 at 8:51pm:

President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 7:59pm: What a bunch of disgusting €***$ you lefty maggots are... Trying to politically point score off a dead mans body... I wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire... >:( maybe he died of shame?  :D :D :D

John....

The guy died of a heart attack in his car at age 62.

A bit of respect.  Please?

He was certainly respected by both sides of politics.

Lisa Jones wrote on Jul 22^nd, 2015 at 3:09pm:

John Smith wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 8:51pm: President Elect, The Mechanic wrote on Jul 21st, 2015 at 7:59pm: What a bunch of disgusting €***$ you lefty maggots are... Trying to politically point score off a dead mans body... I wouldn't spit on you if you were on fire... >:( maybe he died of shame?  :D :D :D John.... The guy died of a heart attack in his car at age 62. A bit of respect.  Please?

It wasn't directed at Randall but rather at Mechanic and his stupid comment.

A tribute to Don Randall: a great man and tireless advocate

Quote:

The late federal MP Don Randall always believed that as a nation, and as individuals, we can do better. His life and career will continue to inspire us, writes his friend and colleague Bob Baldwin. Bob Baldwin is the Federal Member for Paterson and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment. It is with a heavy heart that I write to make tribute to a long-term friend and parliamentary colleague, Don Randall MP. Don was a great man, worthy of sincere and profound respect. We were very close over many years, having shared common experiences in Parliament: we were both first elected in 1996, we both lost in 1998, and we were the only two who came back in 2001 after losing in 1998. It was from here that we forged a very strong friendship, a bond, based on mutual respect and common interests. During parliamentary sitting weeks in Canberra, I would often cook for Don; his favourite dish was my home-made Chilli con Carne with extra chilli. We would often share a meal and a glass of shiraz; Don also had a penchant for a Cuban cigar every now and then. But he would constantly engage me with his hearty banter and quick wit. And quick he was: there wasn't much, if anything, that would get past Don unnoticed. Don's contribution to our nation and to his federal electorate of Canning will be remembered. I know one thing I remember from Don's maiden speech to the Federal Parliament in 1996 was that he rejected the former prime minister's assertion that this is "as good as it gets". He always believed that as a nation, and as individuals, we can do better – when he returned to the Parliament back in 2001, it was about fighting for the working poor and making sure that everyone got a fair go. At times, Don was a crusader looking for a cause. He was always fighting for the underdog, uncompromising in his values and his belief system. If I was describe Don with one word, it would be 'zest'. He had a great zest for life. He was a man very passionate about his family, his wife Julie, his two children Tess and Elliott, and his bulldog. But he was also extremely passionate about his community. He worked tirelessly for the best interests of his home patch in Western Australia. There was no cause that Don Randall believed in that he wouldn't fight for; he was a constant campaigner and a fantastic advocate for his electorate. He was a proud West Australian, born and bred. This was a point of dissention in our friendship, when we would start to talk about wine and our favourite types of Shiraz. Don would always favour a drop from the Margret River in Western Australia, whilst I favoured wines from the Hunter region. He remained doggedly determined to win me over. Don was a passionate advocate for the Clontarf Foundation, teaming up with Gerard Neesham and introducing him to members and senators in the Federal Parliament. Don secured substantial funding for the foundation when Brendan Nelson was the Education Minister; this was something Don was passionate about, helping improve the lives of those young Indigenous children, particularly in Western Australia. Don understood the values of education, commitment to the community and making people the best that they could possibly be. This comes from his background as a teacher before entering into federal politics. He was an inspirational mentor for many of his parliamentary colleagues, both newcomers and those who had served alongside him for many years. He was a man known for being extremely diligent to any task set before him, so is a fitting tribute to Don that we all be encouraged to stand for our beliefs, pursue what is right, and fight for what is worth fighting for.