James “Jim” Henry Snow spent more than 10 years in Australian politics. Image: Kristy McBain MP Facebook.
A service will be held in Queanbeyan to honour Jim Snow, a former parliamentarian and community advocate for southeast NSW.
The Labor politician held the seat of Eden-Monaro between 1983 and 1996, before losing out to Gary Nairn.
He passed away earlier this year, shortly after his 91st birthday.
At its recent meeting, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) voted to hold a service in November, at no cost to the family.
Council meeting papers state that Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain had written to the council with the request.
During discussion on the proposal, Councillor Bryce Wilson said it was the “right thing to do”.
“I think when a former member for Eden-Monaro – [of which] Queanbeyan is obviously a major population centre – passes away, it’s appropriate that we provide the support we can for the memorial.”
Councillor Katrina Willis said it was important QPRC recognised Mr Snow’s impact in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area and beyond.
She pointed to his work in and out of parliament, including time as a patron of the Aboriginal Medical Centre, his advocacy for reforms to drug law and Australia’s constitution.
He was also a member of Home In Queanbeyan, an organisation that provides accommodation for people living with mental illness.
“He contributed in many other ways to our community and to the broader social good in Australia,” she said.
In early October, Ms McBain also made a formal tribute to Mr Snow in Federal Parliament.
She described him as a man dedicated to serving his community and said his legacy would continue for generations.
His political life started in 1957 when he joined the Footscray North branch of the Australian Labor Party, and he went on to be a member of branches across Victoria, the ACT and NSW.
“Throughout his parliamentary career, Jim was known as a kind, gentle and principled man, deeply respected across the political spectrum,” she said.
“His unwavering focus on community needs and his ability to bring people together made him a beloved figure across Eden-Monaro and beyond.”
Before politics, Mr Snow worked as a goat farmer, pharmacist and a community worker with the then-Queanbeyan City Council.
He was also a proud father to Ben, Catherine, Amanda and Natasha.
Kristy McBain says her predecessor Jim Snow was dedicated to service. Photo: James Coleman.
The council papers also state the memorial will cost $4379, including more than $2000 in venue fees.
Catering following the service will be paid for by the Snow family.
During the discussion, Councillor Mareeta Grundy said approving the grant was an inappropriate task for a council to take on for a federal politician.
“Our council must avoid perceptions of partnerships – it must remain politically neutral.
“Waiving fees at the request of the current federal Labor member could be seen as council favouring one party, especially when another long-serving member for Eden-Monaro, Gary Nairn, who passed away last year [and] was not awarded a similar fee waiver by council.”
She said she understood the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had covered the service’s cost for Mr Nairn.
The meeting heard that it was unclear if Mr Nairn’s family had approached QPRC with a similar request to Ms McBain’s.
Mayor Kenrick Winchester said if a proposal was made from a former politician’s family, then he would be happy to support a similar approach across the political spectrum.
“I don’t agree at all that residents would be upset with us supporting this.
“I think most residents would be very happy to support council putting a very minimal contribution [towards a service] … Not only will they support it, a hell of a lot will actually attend this service in his honour.”
Councillor Grundy was the only councillor to vote against the motion.
The service is scheduled for 21 November at the Bicentennial Hall, 253 Crawford Street. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Further details are expected at a future date.
