Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) — Vale Mr Col Joye AM, a legendary music icon and a supporter of former prime minister Gough Whitlam AC QC's vision for Australia. Colin Jacobsen – known professionally as Col Joye – rose to fame in the late 1950s and was the first Australian rock 'n' roll singer to have a number-one record Australia-wide. He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1988, and was honoured with an Order of Australia in 1981. Perhaps even more significant than his performing career was his time as a music producer. Col is credited with discovering the Bee Gees, and the singer Patricia Thompson, known as 'Little Pattie'. Col and Patricia toured Australia and performed for the troops in Vietnam in 1966. In 1972, Col helped produce the 'It's Time' campaign for the Australian Labor Party. That jingle, filled with optimism and urgency, became the soundtrack to a movement that transformed Australia. Col shared Gough Whitlam's vision for a fairer Australia and will be forever remembered for his enormous contributions to our country. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who loved him.
07 August 2025