Arthur Gietzelt’s Unquestionable Integrity
By Lee Gietzelt
By Lee Gietzelt
During an illustrious career, the late Hon Arthur Gietzelt AO was accused of being a dual member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Communist Party of Australia (CPA), and Soviet operative.
I am currently preparing a thorough rebuttal of such claims, which will delve into the enormous amount of documentation kept by Arthur Gietzelt that negates the disgraceful slurs on his character by the likes of ASIO, Troy Bramston and other rightwing apologists.
Before I publish the rebuttal, it is important to place this article on the record, to highlight the many examples of the high regard that Arthur’s close work colleagues, peers and senior public figures had for him.
In doing so, it is important to stress three critical points regarding Arthur:
Arthur Gietzelt’s repeated denial of being a member of the CPA
During his entire career and until his death, Arthur ALWAYS strongly denied claims that he was a member of the CPA or operative.
When ASIO, Troy Bramston and others made such claims in the public arena, Arthur had planned to prepare and release a thorough response.
Sadly, Arthur’s battle with the final stages of prostate cancer and his quest to first finish a more positive publication (his first book – Sticks & Stones, launched at his State Memorial Service) prevented him from doing so.
Arthur Gietzelt has the right to the presumption of innocence
Clearly, Arthur’s political adversaries, in particular the right wing hacks of the NSW ALP,do not understand this concept.
If you believe the rubbish that’s been published in some conservative media outlets, then you must believe that Arthur Gietzelt was a lifetime liar who actively deceived his parents; his immediate family; his best mates; his outstanding mates at the Parliamentary level, especially those on the Left; colleagues throughout the ALP (especially his wonderful friends in local branches, the life blood of the ALP); thousands of members of the public with whom he dealt over the decades; the men and women covering 40-50 years, who knew him well, and experienced what he actually said and achieved; and others.
Dawn, Lee, Dale and Adam as immediate family, and our spouses, are part of a very close family group, and have been for a long time. That Arthur would treat us so deceitfully is completely out of the question. And it means he would have had to have been on his guard not to let anything slip 24/7 – an impossible task over 60 or 70 years.
And it was also out of the question for the following people who knew Arthur well and worked closely with him.
Arthur Gietzelt’s integrity, as seen by his colleagues, peers and senior public figures
Norm Provan
Rugby league legend and Councillor, who worked as an Independent with Arthur on Sutherland Shire Council:
"The Shire will lose a dedicated man of Local Government, a man whose sincerity and integrity cannot be questioned"
The Observer, 10 December 1970.
Justin O’Byrne AO
Long term member of the ALP and a former President of the Australian Senate:
"I have always admired your steadfast and loyal contribution to the true ideals and objectives of the ALP, even though at times you have had to pay a heavy price"
Hand written note to Arthur, 1992.
Keith Bates
Liberal Councillor and former Sutherland Shire President:
"Mr President [Arthur], I have found you a man of integrity, a man of honesty…"
1967.
"Clr. K. Bates spoke in high praise of the work of Clr. A. Gietzelt as Shire President. ... Clr. Bates stressed the long hours and intensive work Clr. Gietzelt had given to Council during his three terms as President and his helpfulness and co-operative spirit."
A Shire newspaper “COUNCILLOR PRAISES SHIRE PRESIDENT”, undated.
Wal Cooper
Sutherland Council health and building inspector of 35 years, who did not share Arthur‘s political views:
"[Gietzelt was] the most astute and innovative of all councillors and with the highest integrity"
St George & Sutherland Shire Leader, 6 January 2014.
David Kirkby
Highly respected, long serving Shire Clerk at Sutherland Council:
"...Councillor A.T. Gietzelt...was the best and fairest of all the Presidents he had worked with. He commented particularly on the personal effort Clr. Gietzelt put in to ensure that politics did not become an issue within the Council ... and how if an individual Councillor appeared disgruntled, the President would make it his business to personally contact the Councillor and uncover and deal with the cause, to ensure good government through a united Council."
Engadine District News, 6 June 1968.
Hon Don Chipp AO
Leader of the Australian Democrats; former Minister for Health, Minister for Repatriation and Compensation, Minister for Social Security, Minister for Customs and Excise, Minister-in-charge of Tourist Activities, Minister for Defence and Minister for the Navy:
"I have great admiration for the integrity of Arthur Gietzelt"
Parliament, 1985.
Chris Eaton
National Secretary of the Australian Federal Police Association:
"… your history and achievements stand as an ideal for us all"
1989.
John Watson AM
Tasmanian Liberal Senator, when Gietzelt retired from the Senate in 1989:
"Although our politics were widely different, I always found Arthur to be a man of honour and total integrity."
Hansard, Australian Senate, 28 Feb 1989.
Hon Mike Egan AO
Former NSW [ALP] Treasurer, who referred to Gietzelt’s:
"...lifelong commitment to the Labor cause.[The outstanding1968 Council result was] a testament to Arthur’s tactical and strategic genius."
1994.
Hon Bob Hawke AC
Former Prime Minister,who stated on numerous occasions that he never doubted Arthur’s commitment to the Labor Party. Hawke also said:
"Arthur made what can only be called an outstanding contribution to the veterans of Australia."
Speech to the RSL National Congress, 1989.
Sir William Keys AC OBE MC
Long-time President of the RSL:
"...we were all trying to make a better Australia. I was especially grateful to you on numerous occasions for your ready acceptance of points of view I put before you on behalf of the veteran and the war widows of this country. Yours was always a compassionate approach and at all times you did everything in your power to help those most in need.
...You can be justly proud of the service you performed on behalf of those who have served in Australia’s Armed Forces and their dependants. "
Personal letter to Arthur regarding his Life Membership of the ALP, 19 May 1994.
Hon John Faulkner
Highly respected, long-time ALP senator, former Minister for Veterans' Affairs; Minister for Defence Science and Personnel; Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories; and Special Minister of State:
"For more than 60 years, Arthur was a constant for those of us in the Labor Party in NSW:
constant in his commitment to his community in the Sutherland Shire; constant in his determination to stand up for what he believed in and believed to be the best traditions of Labor; constant in his opposition to the sharp practices and underhand tactics of the [ALP] Right; constant in his presence, whether as a councillor, Senator, mentor, or stalwart of the Left.
... I reject absolutely the notion that Arthur was an agent of the Soviet Union, or less than loyal to Australia. He fought for his nation in war, he served his nation in its parliament."
Speech at Arthur’s State Memorial Service, 6 February 2014.
Comments in the following Sutherland Shire newspapers are also extremely relevant:
"Clr. Gietzelt has proved worthy of the mantle of Presidency and given a sterling year’s performance in a job that calls for extraordinary toil, patience and perseverance. He has mellowed since the days when he fought some bitter rearguard actions in Council, and although he still refuses to vacillate, he nevertheless listens and appreciates the other point of view"
The Observer, 30 November 1961.
"... Councillor A.T.Gietzelt was chosen unanimously by his fellow Councillors to be the Shire’s First Citizen... . After the vilification and rubbishing directed against him personally over the past couple of years by five [Liberal Party] Councillors who opposed his every move ... the man deserves this singular exhibition of faith in him as a leader"
Engadine District News, 18 December1968.
And so too are comments from the following people, as mentioned in Challenge, the journal of the ALP Left in NSW, June 1989, Number 84 (p.7).
When Arthur Gietzelt retired from Parliament, his retirement function was the first ever which was sponsored by representatives of all the major parties – Liberal, National, Democrat and Labor...
“The Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, [said] that Arthur Gietzelt was the best ever Minister of Veterans’ Affairs”. He “also praised Arthur for his many years on the National Executive of the ALP, and his commitment to the Labor movement”.
President of the Senate, Kerry Sibraa, who was once a “factional opponent of Arthur”, “but had learnt to appreciate his value as a Minister and a Senator” said “his [Sibraa’s] faction [the right wing] held the view that Arthur’s Ministerial staff had been the best in Parliament...”. See Endnote 1.
At another function in Arthur Gietzelt’s honour the following day, Peter Duncan said, “Arthur’s sense of solidarity and mateship were great qualities not only in the Left but also in the broader movement”.
Dawn Gietzelt “spoke glowingly of his deep commitment to socialism, his compassion, and especially his integrity - qualities which had attracted her to him forty years ago when they first met and married.”
Bruce Childs recalled his first meeting with Arthur at a public meeting organised by Gietzelt in the early 1950’s opposing “Japanese rearmament”, where keynote speakers were Eddie Ward MP and Clive Evatt. Bruce and Arthur subsequently became the best of mates,a friendship spanning more than 60 years.
This was one of many ‘Peace’ meetings that Gietzelt organised or attended covering 60 odd years.
Despite their involvement, no one seriously accused Eddie Ward or Clive Evatt of being communists. However, Arthur faced slurs on his character.
Yet Arthur maintained his commitment to the Peace Movement throughout his life, including his opposition to the Vietnam War, when it was very unpopular to hold that view (he was called a ‘commo’ for that too); and his subsequent active role in the nuclear disarmament movement.
ConclusionClearly, Sir William Keys did not think that Arthur Gietzelt was a ‘commo’ trying to ‘overthrow the State’, as right-wing hack Gerard Henderson has claimed. Nor did the other above-mentionedpeople of high esteem.
What Arthur Gietzelt actually said and did is at complete odds with the garbage produced by the NSW Right and their apologists, especially those in News Corp. It is indisputable that Arthur Gietzelt was an outstanding Australian. His list of achievements covering decades is irrefutable.
One should ask the question – where is there one instance of Arthur Gietzelt not acting in the interests of the Australian people?
It is time for the right wing commentators to shut up and not speculate on unsubstantiated opinions.
Endnote 1:
Gietzelt's staff was the "best in Parliament" because they recognised his leadership skills and vision, and responded accordingly; but more importantly they respected his integrity. He was someone to look up to, and to follow
I am currently preparing a thorough rebuttal of such claims, which will delve into the enormous amount of documentation kept by Arthur Gietzelt that negates the disgraceful slurs on his character by the likes of ASIO, Troy Bramston and other rightwing apologists.
Before I publish the rebuttal, it is important to place this article on the record, to highlight the many examples of the high regard that Arthur’s close work colleagues, peers and senior public figures had for him.
In doing so, it is important to stress three critical points regarding Arthur:
- his repeated denial of being a member of the CPA or doing their bidding
- his right to the ‘presumption of innocence’
- his undeniable integrity.
Arthur Gietzelt’s repeated denial of being a member of the CPA
During his entire career and until his death, Arthur ALWAYS strongly denied claims that he was a member of the CPA or operative.
When ASIO, Troy Bramston and others made such claims in the public arena, Arthur had planned to prepare and release a thorough response.
Sadly, Arthur’s battle with the final stages of prostate cancer and his quest to first finish a more positive publication (his first book – Sticks & Stones, launched at his State Memorial Service) prevented him from doing so.
Arthur Gietzelt has the right to the presumption of innocence
Clearly, Arthur’s political adversaries, in particular the right wing hacks of the NSW ALP,do not understand this concept.
If you believe the rubbish that’s been published in some conservative media outlets, then you must believe that Arthur Gietzelt was a lifetime liar who actively deceived his parents; his immediate family; his best mates; his outstanding mates at the Parliamentary level, especially those on the Left; colleagues throughout the ALP (especially his wonderful friends in local branches, the life blood of the ALP); thousands of members of the public with whom he dealt over the decades; the men and women covering 40-50 years, who knew him well, and experienced what he actually said and achieved; and others.
Dawn, Lee, Dale and Adam as immediate family, and our spouses, are part of a very close family group, and have been for a long time. That Arthur would treat us so deceitfully is completely out of the question. And it means he would have had to have been on his guard not to let anything slip 24/7 – an impossible task over 60 or 70 years.
And it was also out of the question for the following people who knew Arthur well and worked closely with him.
Arthur Gietzelt’s integrity, as seen by his colleagues, peers and senior public figures
Norm Provan
Rugby league legend and Councillor, who worked as an Independent with Arthur on Sutherland Shire Council:
"The Shire will lose a dedicated man of Local Government, a man whose sincerity and integrity cannot be questioned"
The Observer, 10 December 1970.
Justin O’Byrne AO
Long term member of the ALP and a former President of the Australian Senate:
"I have always admired your steadfast and loyal contribution to the true ideals and objectives of the ALP, even though at times you have had to pay a heavy price"
Hand written note to Arthur, 1992.
Keith Bates
Liberal Councillor and former Sutherland Shire President:
"Mr President [Arthur], I have found you a man of integrity, a man of honesty…"
1967.
"Clr. K. Bates spoke in high praise of the work of Clr. A. Gietzelt as Shire President. ... Clr. Bates stressed the long hours and intensive work Clr. Gietzelt had given to Council during his three terms as President and his helpfulness and co-operative spirit."
A Shire newspaper “COUNCILLOR PRAISES SHIRE PRESIDENT”, undated.
Wal Cooper
Sutherland Council health and building inspector of 35 years, who did not share Arthur‘s political views:
"[Gietzelt was] the most astute and innovative of all councillors and with the highest integrity"
St George & Sutherland Shire Leader, 6 January 2014.
David Kirkby
Highly respected, long serving Shire Clerk at Sutherland Council:
"...Councillor A.T. Gietzelt...was the best and fairest of all the Presidents he had worked with. He commented particularly on the personal effort Clr. Gietzelt put in to ensure that politics did not become an issue within the Council ... and how if an individual Councillor appeared disgruntled, the President would make it his business to personally contact the Councillor and uncover and deal with the cause, to ensure good government through a united Council."
Engadine District News, 6 June 1968.
Hon Don Chipp AO
Leader of the Australian Democrats; former Minister for Health, Minister for Repatriation and Compensation, Minister for Social Security, Minister for Customs and Excise, Minister-in-charge of Tourist Activities, Minister for Defence and Minister for the Navy:
"I have great admiration for the integrity of Arthur Gietzelt"
Parliament, 1985.
Chris Eaton
National Secretary of the Australian Federal Police Association:
"… your history and achievements stand as an ideal for us all"
1989.
John Watson AM
Tasmanian Liberal Senator, when Gietzelt retired from the Senate in 1989:
"Although our politics were widely different, I always found Arthur to be a man of honour and total integrity."
Hansard, Australian Senate, 28 Feb 1989.
Hon Mike Egan AO
Former NSW [ALP] Treasurer, who referred to Gietzelt’s:
"...lifelong commitment to the Labor cause.[The outstanding1968 Council result was] a testament to Arthur’s tactical and strategic genius."
1994.
Hon Bob Hawke AC
Former Prime Minister,who stated on numerous occasions that he never doubted Arthur’s commitment to the Labor Party. Hawke also said:
"Arthur made what can only be called an outstanding contribution to the veterans of Australia."
Speech to the RSL National Congress, 1989.
Sir William Keys AC OBE MC
Long-time President of the RSL:
"...we were all trying to make a better Australia. I was especially grateful to you on numerous occasions for your ready acceptance of points of view I put before you on behalf of the veteran and the war widows of this country. Yours was always a compassionate approach and at all times you did everything in your power to help those most in need.
...You can be justly proud of the service you performed on behalf of those who have served in Australia’s Armed Forces and their dependants. "
Personal letter to Arthur regarding his Life Membership of the ALP, 19 May 1994.
Hon John Faulkner
Highly respected, long-time ALP senator, former Minister for Veterans' Affairs; Minister for Defence Science and Personnel; Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories; and Special Minister of State:
"For more than 60 years, Arthur was a constant for those of us in the Labor Party in NSW:
constant in his commitment to his community in the Sutherland Shire; constant in his determination to stand up for what he believed in and believed to be the best traditions of Labor; constant in his opposition to the sharp practices and underhand tactics of the [ALP] Right; constant in his presence, whether as a councillor, Senator, mentor, or stalwart of the Left.
... I reject absolutely the notion that Arthur was an agent of the Soviet Union, or less than loyal to Australia. He fought for his nation in war, he served his nation in its parliament."
Speech at Arthur’s State Memorial Service, 6 February 2014.
Comments in the following Sutherland Shire newspapers are also extremely relevant:
"Clr. Gietzelt has proved worthy of the mantle of Presidency and given a sterling year’s performance in a job that calls for extraordinary toil, patience and perseverance. He has mellowed since the days when he fought some bitter rearguard actions in Council, and although he still refuses to vacillate, he nevertheless listens and appreciates the other point of view"
The Observer, 30 November 1961.
"... Councillor A.T.Gietzelt was chosen unanimously by his fellow Councillors to be the Shire’s First Citizen... . After the vilification and rubbishing directed against him personally over the past couple of years by five [Liberal Party] Councillors who opposed his every move ... the man deserves this singular exhibition of faith in him as a leader"
Engadine District News, 18 December1968.
And so too are comments from the following people, as mentioned in Challenge, the journal of the ALP Left in NSW, June 1989, Number 84 (p.7).
When Arthur Gietzelt retired from Parliament, his retirement function was the first ever which was sponsored by representatives of all the major parties – Liberal, National, Democrat and Labor...
“The Prime Minister, Bob Hawke, [said] that Arthur Gietzelt was the best ever Minister of Veterans’ Affairs”. He “also praised Arthur for his many years on the National Executive of the ALP, and his commitment to the Labor movement”.
President of the Senate, Kerry Sibraa, who was once a “factional opponent of Arthur”, “but had learnt to appreciate his value as a Minister and a Senator” said “his [Sibraa’s] faction [the right wing] held the view that Arthur’s Ministerial staff had been the best in Parliament...”. See Endnote 1.
At another function in Arthur Gietzelt’s honour the following day, Peter Duncan said, “Arthur’s sense of solidarity and mateship were great qualities not only in the Left but also in the broader movement”.
Dawn Gietzelt “spoke glowingly of his deep commitment to socialism, his compassion, and especially his integrity - qualities which had attracted her to him forty years ago when they first met and married.”
Bruce Childs recalled his first meeting with Arthur at a public meeting organised by Gietzelt in the early 1950’s opposing “Japanese rearmament”, where keynote speakers were Eddie Ward MP and Clive Evatt. Bruce and Arthur subsequently became the best of mates,a friendship spanning more than 60 years.
This was one of many ‘Peace’ meetings that Gietzelt organised or attended covering 60 odd years.
Despite their involvement, no one seriously accused Eddie Ward or Clive Evatt of being communists. However, Arthur faced slurs on his character.
Yet Arthur maintained his commitment to the Peace Movement throughout his life, including his opposition to the Vietnam War, when it was very unpopular to hold that view (he was called a ‘commo’ for that too); and his subsequent active role in the nuclear disarmament movement.
ConclusionClearly, Sir William Keys did not think that Arthur Gietzelt was a ‘commo’ trying to ‘overthrow the State’, as right-wing hack Gerard Henderson has claimed. Nor did the other above-mentionedpeople of high esteem.
What Arthur Gietzelt actually said and did is at complete odds with the garbage produced by the NSW Right and their apologists, especially those in News Corp. It is indisputable that Arthur Gietzelt was an outstanding Australian. His list of achievements covering decades is irrefutable.
One should ask the question – where is there one instance of Arthur Gietzelt not acting in the interests of the Australian people?
It is time for the right wing commentators to shut up and not speculate on unsubstantiated opinions.
Endnote 1:
Gietzelt's staff was the "best in Parliament" because they recognised his leadership skills and vision, and responded accordingly; but more importantly they respected his integrity. He was someone to look up to, and to follow
