The political life of NSW Greens MLC John Kaye has been remembered as one based on an “unwavering push for social justice” following his death from cancer on Monday at the age of 60.
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Federal Greens candidate for Eden-Monaro Tamara Ryan said Dr Kaye’s dedication to rural areas will be missed.
“John was a politician who recognised he was there to work for ordinary working people, and Bega Valley will miss him for it,” she said on Tuesday.
“He recognised the special disadvantages communities face.”
It was revealed in February that Dr Kaye had been diagnosed with cancer and would be unable to return to Parliament to resume his duties before the end of March.
The former academic was first elected to NSW Parliament in 2007 after completing his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley and a period as a lecturer in electrical engineering at the University of New South Wales.
Fellow MLC David Shoebridge said in a statement Dr Kaye had died peacefully in his home surrounded by friends and family.
“Our thoughts today are with John's partner Lynne, his sister and brothers Dina, Andrew and Stephen and their families,” he said.
Ms Ryan, who first met the public education and renewable energy advocate in 2015 praised his commitment to public education in the Bega Valley.
“He has campaigned against the privatisation of, and cuts to TAFE in the Bega Valley for years, and recognised that everyone should have access to education irrespective of wealth,” she said.
“I am devastated by the loss and will miss dearly his unwavering push for social justice.”
Dr Kaye visited the Bega Valley many times during his short career in parliament, campaigning on a range of issues.
“John's campaigning to protect free range egg farmers from egg corporations' manipulation of free range classifications were also hugely appreciated by egg growers on the Far South Coast,” Bega Valley Greens spokesperson Jamie Shaw said after hearing of Dr Kaye’s death.
His trips to the Far South Coast had brought him close friendships and made him a mentor to many people, Mr Shaw said.
“His example of tireless campaigning and limitless energy to take up local issues on the state political stage will be sorely missed by us all,” he said.
“He was a champion for a better more caring society and for strong protection for our environment.
“His death is a deep loss for us all.”
The political world took to social media to share their shock at the news of his death with premier Mike Baird also saying he regarded Dr Kaye as a friend.
“John Kaye was in politics to make a difference - and he did,” Mr Baird tweeted.
“Despite our differing politics, we were friends. I'll miss him.”
Along with the sad news of his death came social media posts claiming Dr Kaye was campaigning till the very end.
A tweet by former Greens political staffer Osman Faruqi shared a story about Dr Kaye’s time in hospital earlier this year.
According to Mr Faruqi and one of Dr Kaye’s staffers Kelly Marks, he shared strong words with Mr Baird when the premier called asking if he could be of any assistance.
“Stop gutting TAFE,” he is alleged to have told the premier.