The death of the Hon Michael Hodgman AM QC has come as a shock to the Tasmanian Division of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy and the Australian National Flag Association (Tas).
ACM's Tasmanian Convenor Mr Reg Watson, who is also President of the ANFA (Tas), said even though they were aware of his illness, the sudden announcement of his passing was a surprise.
“It was not long ago I had been speaking to him,” said Mr Watson. “Any such news however is always a bit of a blow.”
Mr Watson said the late Mr Hodgman had been a Patron of ACM and the ANFA Association for many years and his presence and his support will be a great loss.
“Michael loved his heritage and his history. He promoted and defended the Institutions which he held so dear,” said Mr Watson.
“But I go beyond that – as an individual and a Parliamentarian and lawyer his colourfulness, his outspoken manner will be missed.
“For Australians for Constitutional Monarchy, his death is a double loss,” he added.
Mr Watson said that Tasmania will be the worse off without Mr Hodgman’s input.
“In my opinion he should have been Premier, if not Speaker of the House or Attorney-General. It is a shame those posts were denied to him,” said Mr Watson.
Mr Hodgman entered local Parliament in 1966 and later moved into the Federal arena, having several ministerial positions under Malcolm Fraser. He returned to State Tasmanian politics when he won a seat in the Lower House, the House of Assembly in 1992. He retired in 2010.
“His non presence at ALL our functions throughout the year will be a devastating blow to members of both organisations,” said Mr Watson.