Bundoora resident and former federal Labor MP Harry Jenkins has been recognised for his service to parliament, becoming a member of the Order of Australia in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours.
The former speaker of the House of Representatives and member for Scullin was awarded for 26 years of service.
Mr Jenkins, 61, who retired from politics last year, said the award was a pleasant surprise.
“It’s not something that when I started politics I set out to obtain,” he says.
“But I’m humbled that those who make these decisions have felt that my contribution should be recognised.”
Entering parliament in 1986, Mr Jenkins followed in the footsteps of his father Dr Harry Jenkins, who represented Scullin from 1969 to 1986.
Mr Jenkins says the most rewarding moment of his career was during his time as speaker, when the federal government made an apology to the stolen generations on February 13, 2008.
“That was the most significant and momentous occasion that occurred within Australian parliament in my time in politics,” he says.
“I was just a lad from the northern suburbs chairing these historic proceedings.”
Between 2007 and 2011, the father of three also presided over the house during official state addresses by visiting dignitaries such as Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, US President Barack Obama and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.
A self-proclaimed “Whitlamite”, Mr Jenkins says he had always admired the leadership of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
But he says it was his family and the residents of the northern suburbs who inspired him the most.
“Often, for me, it was the things that happen in the local community which made me love my job,” he says.
“For nearly 30 years I worked alongside extraordinary people in the community.”
Mr Jenkins said among those who impressed him were children with special needs, staff and parents involved with the Merriang Special Development School.
“I don’t deny that I’m a very proud member of the Australian Labor Party,” he says.
“But when I was in government, I was Scullin’s representative.”
Mr Jenkins said being involved in a major inquiry into indigenous health – to close the gap between health outcomes for indigenous and non-indigenous Australians – and the formation of a training centre at the Northern Hospital were also among his greatest achievements.
“There is no magic wand in politics, for me it was about making a positive change,” he says.
“It takes time … if you ask the right questions, you can hope to get the right answers.”
