Recent Stories
Victorians Honour the Late Hon. Lindsay H.S. Thompson, AO
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development join with the Victorian community in recognising the passing of one of the finest and most respected figures in state education and politics – the Hon. Lindsay H.S. Thompson, AO.
As Victoria’s longest serving Education Minister, Lindsay Thompson remained an inspiration to the education community for over 50 years, maintaining an active and colourful role in Departmental program and events.
Mr Thompson began his career as a teacher at Malvern Central School in 1951, before becoming a master at Melbourne High School. In 1955 he left the classroom to commence what was to become a long and distinguished political career spanning three decades.
Mr Thompson became Victorian Minister for Education in 1967, and two years later published a book titled Looking Ahead in Education, which listed some 65 recommendations concerned with the future of education in Victoria.
His work was regarded as visionary, and within two decades almost all of his 65 recommendations had been implemented.
Mr Thompson held the position of Education Minister with great distinction for 12 years in total, and became known as a man of integrity, dignity and patience.
By 1972, he had reached the position of Deputy Premier.
It was during this year that Mr Thompson was awarded a bravery medal for his role in the highly publicised hostage crisis at small school in Faraday, near Castlemaine.
His leadership during this situation brought him widespread acclaim, although colleagues remember him mostly as a modest gentleman.
“He was a man who didn’t put on any airs or graces,” said former Liberal minister Alan Hunt. “He had no great opinion of himself, but he was a wonderful man.”
Mr Thompson became Premier of Victoria for a brief period between 1981 and 1982.
His counterpart today, Premier John Brumby, remembers him as a true gentleman, who transcended the political divide.
"A gentleman, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. If you met him for the first time you wouldn't know if he was a Liberal politician or a labor politician," he said.
"He was a minister in a Government doing his job."
In 1998, the then Department of Education and Training established the Lindsay Thompson Fellowship to acknowledge and enhance the teaching profession in Victoria.
The fellowship honours the contribution of Mr Thompson by awarding an annual travel and research fellowship in his name.
Mr Thompson has presented the now prestigious award almost every year since its inauguration, and in May of this year presented his last award to Loddon Mallee teacher Heather Ridge for her outstanding commitment to improving literacy.
Lindsay Thompson will be remembered not only for his integrity and dedication to both education and politics, but also for his enthusiasm and natural humour. He will be sorely missed.