James ”Jim” Henry Snow spent more than 10 years in Australian politics. Image: Kristy McBain MP/Facebook.
Tributes have flowed for former parliamentarian Jim Snow, who has died at the age of 91.
The Labor politician held the seat of Eden-Monaro between 1983 and 1996, before losing out to Gary Nairn.
While in Parliament, he was also named a member of the Speaker’s Panel and Deputy Chairman of Committees.
Current Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain led the tributes, praising him for his community focus in his 12-year career as the incumbent.
“He was a kind and gentle man who always put the community first and earned the respect of people from all sides of politics,” Ms McBain said.
“Jim will be deeply missed by many.”
His commitment to his community was echoed by Member for Monaro Steve Whan, who remembered him calling himself ”Minister for Eden-Monaro”.
He also recounted the personal impact Mr Snow had on him.
“Jim played a big role in my early political career. He encouraged me to move to Queanbeyan, backed me in preselection, then drove far and wide around the electorate introducing me to people and giving great advice,” Mr Whan said.
“He will be missed by many.”
The Parliamentary Handbook says Mr Snow had worked as a goat farmer and pharmacist before moving into politics.
Yass Valley Councillor Allan McGrath described Mr Snow as “a gentleman”, with their relationship dating back to his time with the then-Queanbeyan City Council.
“I worked with Jim in the 1970s when he was employed as the Queanbeyan City Council’s first Community Worker, and later in the 1980s after his election to Parliament when he established his office in the building I managed in Lowe Street, Queanbeyan.
“[He was a] great MP and a real gentleman.”
After leaving politics, Mr Snow wrote Keating and his Party Room, the first comprehensive account of the Labor Caucus at the time.
His book drew on his time as chair of the Caucus, a position he was appointed to after the party’s 1993 election win.
According to the publisher, Australian Scholarly Publishing, the book covers the Mabo decision and a range of events in Australia’s halls of power.
“His account deals in detail with the internal leadership contest between Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, and the consequences of internal factional and union politics,” the publisher says.
“The torrid 1993 and 1996 Keating federal election campaigns and three local campaigns are here, including those that saw the rise of Pauline Hanson.”
It also touched on his view that Australia was “over-governed”, which he spoke about in his inaugural speech in Parliament.
“The truth is that we are over-governed, that state governments are an anachronism and ought to go, in favour of a reformed local government,” he said.
“That does not mean that all state boundaries are unsuitable.”
During that speech, he also spoke of his commitment to fighting poverty and supporting primary industries.
“I look forward to changes which will reduce the mounting disillusionment and lack of operative confidence in youth and will return breadwinners to work,” he said.
The Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union was also among those who paid tribute to Mr Snow.
“A great champion for our union, he always fought hard to support timber workers, their families and their communities,” the union said in a statement.
“We will never forget his role during the 1995 timber workers’ blockade of Parliament House when he was willing to sacrifice his career to protect the jobs of timber workers. A person of principle who believed in real labour values.”
