- Former Deputy Premier, Dr Mal Bryce AO remembered at State Assisted Memorial today
- Dr Bryce was a champion of technology and established Technology Park and Scitech
- A street in the Technology Park precinct has been named after Dr Bryce
Former Western Australian Deputy Premier Mal Bryce AO was remembered for his extensive achievements in the technology and innovation fields at a State Assisted Memorial today.
Dr Bryce, who passed away on March 3, 2018, represented the seat of Ascot in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for 17 years and was Deputy Premier for five years from 1983 to 1988.
His Ministerial portfolios included Economic Development and Technology; Industrial Development; Communications; and Small Business.
Dr Bryce was responsible for the Technology Development Act 1983, and opened Technology Park in 1985 - the precinct is now home to some of the State's most innovative businesses and research organisations.
Prior to Dr Bryce's passing, a street in Technology Park was named after him in honour of his achievements in the innovation and technology fields.
Other achievements include creating the first Australian government department responsible for IT - the Department of Computing and Information Technology - and establishing Scitech and the Small Business Development Commission.
Dr Bryce continued to pursue his passions after leaving Parliament, serving as the Chairman of the WA Technology and Industry Advisory Council, as a member of the Prime Minister's Science and Engineering Council and Chairman of iVEC.
He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1989 and was awarded the Pearcey National Medal in 2012 for his contribution to the national ICT industry.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"Mal Bryce was an exemplary representative for the people of Ascot and an outstanding Minister and Deputy Premier.
"Dr Bryce was a champion of the Western Australian technology industry, and after leaving Parliament he provided valuable leadership and support to the WA Technology and Industry Advisory Council, Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, and many other organisations.
"I'm pleased Dr Bryce's integral role in establishing Technology Park has been recognised with the naming of Bryce Avenue - this is a fitting tribute for someone who gave so much to his community.
"Gifted with compassion, foresight and ambition for his State, Mal Bryce will be sorely missed by the Parliament, the Labor Party and his family and friends.
"Vale Mal Bryce."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
