Former Tasmanian senator, diplomat and Catholic priest Michael Tate has died at the age of 80, drawing tributes for a life that spanned law, politics, international service and the church.
Tate died around lunchtime today at Calvary Hospital in Lenah Valley.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff praised Tate as a person of remarkable intellect and deep faith.
“Father Tate brought intellect, integrity and humanity to every role he held,” Rockliff said.
“He served Tasmania and Australia with distinction in public life, always guided by a deep sense of justice and responsibility.”
Born in Sydney on July 6, 1945, Tate was educated at St Virgil’s College in Hobart before graduating with first class honours in law from the University of Tasmania in 1968.
He then studied theology at the University of Oxford, completing a master’s degree in 1971.
From 1972 to 1978, he lectured in law at the University of Tasmania and served as dean of the faculty from 1977 to 1978.
Tate entered federal politics as a senator for Tasmania in the late 1970s and served for 15 years.
He was minister for justice under the Hawke and Keating governments from 1987 to 1993.
After leaving parliament, he was appointed Australia’s ambassador to the Holy See and the Hague from 1993 to 1996.
He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1996.
In a deeply personal move, Tate told Pope John Paul II as he left his Vatican posting that he would begin studying for the priesthood.
He was ordained in May 2000 at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart.
Archbishop Tony Ireland administered the last rites to Tate shortly before his death.
“In many ways Fr Michael was one of a kind, gifted intellectually, a powerful communicator, and an extraordinarily generous and faithful pastor who loved his people,” Ireland said.
Tate went on to serve as parish priest across several southern Tasmanian communities including Sandy Bay, the Huon Valley and South Hobart.
He was also appointed Tasmania’s first parliamentary standards commissioner in 2010 and founded the Way to St James Cygnet, an annual pilgrimage through the Huon Valley.
“Few Tasmanians have lived such a rich and varied life of service,” Rockliff said.
“I always enjoyed and appreciated Father Tate’s company and guidance over the years.”
Tasmanian Labor leader Josh Willie described Tate as a “great man”.
“His legacy is one of love, justice integrity and service to others,” Willie said.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in coming days.
