In this House, we rightly talk about the importance of teachers and strategies to encourage more students into the teaching profession. It's a path I nearly took. That's why it's particularly sad to suddenly lose a teacher and community builder like John O'Kane.

I first met John when he was a high-school student in the nineties and I was a callow relief teacher. Over the years, I had many chats with John when my sons were students at Marist College Canberra. He was friendly, empathetic and always interested in the development of the students, what made them tick and how he could bring out the best in them.

In a career spanning a couple of decades, John was the leader of the Marist College English department. He was a gifted teacher with a sharp intellect, passionate about the Pogues and Joyce. He was a kind and generous man who cared for all who shared his path. John was a former student at Marist College and was the Mark House dean for a decade. He was involved in many and varied activities across the life of the college. He shaped the lives of hundreds of students for the better and was beloved by all the teaching and support staff.

My condolences to Sarah, Burton, Caledonia and Amber-Rose; to James and Mary; to Carl, Deb, Gabby, Peggy, Nik and Phil; and to all across the O'Kane clan and the Canberra Irish diaspora. He will be greatly missed.