Statement from the Premier and the family of Sir Charles Court

23/12/07
Sir Charles Court died peacefully on Saturday evening, December 22, surrounded by his family.
He was 96.
Sir Charles is survived by his wife Judy, sons Victor, Barry, Ken, Richard and Geoffrey; 16 grandchildren and 19 great grand children.
His first wife (and mother of his children) Rita, died in 1992.
Premier Alan Carpenter said Sir Charles Court had been one of the most significant public figures in Western Australia's history.

"No single person in public life has had as much influence in the development of WA in the last fifty or sixty years," Mr Carpenter said.

"As Industrial Development Minister and deputy to Sir David Brand, Sir Charles oversaw the development of the iron ore industry in the 1960s, bauxite and mineral sands mining in the South-West, as well nickel mining and smelting.

"He carried on that work as Premier when he played a key role in the birth of the North West Shelf natural gas industry.

"These developments completely transformed the Western Australian and Australian economies.

"Sir Charles served his country in wartime, served his State as Member of Parliament, Minister, Premier and leader of the Liberal Party and did it all with integrity and distinction.

"He was also an extremely devoted and proud family man.

"No-one would have been able to say of Sir Charles that he could have given more energy or effort to the pursuit of what he saw as the best interests of his State.

"His has been one of the greatest West Australian lives.

"On behalf of the State Government, I offer my sympathy and support to all the Court family."

A State Funeral will be offered to the family.
Premier's office - 9222 9475