(Community Recognition Statement, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney Electorate I wish to put on record the significant lifetime contribution of John Mant.

John Mant had a lifelong commitment to public service, social justice, democracy and good government, making significant contributions to the law, politics, urban planning and public administration.

John became active in political reform and found a passion for urban development that gave priority to the people in a place, contributing to the national vision under Whitlam and Uren. His planning and public administration career took him to Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, overseas and back in Sydney. This included as ICAC Commissioner, running an inquiry into the NSW Department of Housing and reworking the NSW Local Government Act to strengthen councils, and give them powers beyond rubbish collection.

Most recently John served as a councillor for the City of Sydney with the Clover Moore Independent Team between 2012 and 2016, helping maintain stable corruption-free local government that planned for the future and did not leave anyone behind.

We own much today to this drive and effort, and I hope John's life serves as a model for others to make a positive difference.