Vale Don Chipp - The GSD Loses a
Great Australian Friend
It is with great sadness that the German Shepherd Dog Club
of Victoria notes the passing of Donald 'Don' Chipp. As many of you would be
aware Don Chipp had been the current long serving patron of the German Shepherd
Dog Council of Australia (GSDCA) and his loss will be felt by all long term
members of the affiliated member clubs across Australia. The fact is that we
have never had a politician in this country that has been such a great friend to
our breed.
Don Chipp was born in Melbourne in 1925. Around this time graziers and
pastoralists in Australia began to express concerns that the German Shepherd Dog
was dangerous and the Australian Government subsequently responded to their
fears by commencing an importation ban on non de-sexed German Shepherds into
Australia.
Don Chipp entered federal parliament as the Liberal member for the seat of
Higinbotham in 1960 (later transferring to the seat of Hotham in 1969). He held
the position of Minister for the Navy between 1966-69 and was then appointed
minister for Customs and Excise until the historic Labour party victory in 1972.
"It's time" was the slogan and it certainly was for various social, economic and
political changes.
Through various lobbying of the Australian Government a one year trial lifting
of the ban on importing GSD's into Australia commenced during 1973. Don Chipp
provided great support by raising this issue with the relevant ministers and was
instrumental in getting the required political support for overturning the ban.
The then Customs Minister, Mr Lionel Murphy, was able to be convinced that the
ban was ludicrous, and through the continued help of Don Chipp and some other
politicians, they were able to allay the fears of
the farmers and graziers.
The trial was a success and in 1974 the import ban was permanently lifted. At
last breeders were allowed to bring in new blood lines from Europe which allowed
great advancement and improvement in the quality of the breed in Australia.
In recognition of his efforts in getting the ban lifted and his genuine interest
in the well being of our breed Don Chipp (after the GSDCV put forward a motion
to the GSDCA) accepted an invitation to become patron of the GSDCA in 1976. Don
Chipp has also owned a number of GSD's as loved family companions and had
continued to keep a keen interest in our breed whilst patron.
Don Chipp left the Liberal party in 1977 and became the principal force behind
the foundation of the Australian Democrats. When he was elected to the senate in
1977 he vowed to 'keep the bastards honest'; the rest as they say is history.
In further recognition of his ongoing work as patron of the GSDCA, Don Chipp was
awarded the GSDCA Service Award at the 2005 Main Breed Exhibition at Melbourne.
As noted at his state funeral at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne on Saturday
2nd of September 2006, he was a man who was widely respected across the
political spectrum and social classes. He did his very best as a politician to
improve the lives of all Australians.
Our deepest sympathy to the Chipp family as we pause to remember a truly great
Australian and patron of our breed.
Rest in peace friend.
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