Brian Gibson will be remembered as one of Tasmania’s most successful business executives, who brought his business acumen to the Parliament of Australia.
A decent and intelligent man, Brian Gibson was managing director of Australian Newsprint Mills, now Norske Skog, from 1980 to 1983 and Chair of the Hydro Electric Commission of Tasmania, now Hydro Tasmania, between 1989 and 1993.
Brian Gibson was Australian President of the National Association of Forest Industries from 1987 to 1991.
He was a proud member of the Liberal Party in Tasmania who represented the State in the Senate from 1993 to 2002. His business experience and a strong understanding of energy issues and workplace relations was invaluable to the political debate at the time.
He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Hon Peter Costello, in John Howard’s first ministry in 1996.
In recognition of his contribution to business, politics and the community, Brian Gibson was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1988.
Brian Gibson was known for his integrity and on behalf of the Tasmanian Government I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Pauline, and their three children Sharon, Kieran and David.