Sir James Gobbo was the quintessential Australian success story.
The son of Italian migrants, James spoke little English during his childhood.
However, a powerful intellect and drive resulted in him being awarded a Rhodes Scholarship 70 years ago.
He went on to be a barrister, Queens Counsel, Judge of the Victorian Supreme Court, Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria and ultimately Governor of Victoria.
Sir James was rightly proud of his rich Italian heritage and of the multicultural nation he served. In so many ways Sir James was the father of modern multiculturalism in Australia, which stands as one of his most significant legacies.
He had a deep Catholic faith and was a recipient of the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Gregory from The Vatican.
Sir James gave generously of his time to so many causes throughout his life including the Council for the Order of Australia, the National Library of Australia and the Australian Multicultural Foundation.
He was married to Lady Shirley for more than sixty years.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I extend my condolences to Lady Shirley and his family.
