Former senator and priest Michael Tate dies aged 80

Michael Tate, a former senator for Tasmania and a Catholic priest, has passed away at the age of 80. He is being widely remembered as a man of deep compassion, generosity, and intellectual prowess.

Father Mike Delaney, a friend and colleague, described Tate as "the real sign of a priest, someone who gives himself to his people." He recalled Tate's recent call to ensure a parishioner didn't get lost in the system after moving parishes. "He'd cut to the point, but he also had an incredible compassion for his people," Delaney added.

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He was the real sign of a priest, someone who gives himself to his people.

Tasmania's Archbishop Tony Ireland administered the last rites to Father Tate. He remembered him as "one of a kind, gifted intellectually, a powerful communicator, and an extraordinarily generous and faithful pastor who loved his people."

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Just recently he rang me and asked me whether I could follow up with somebody who he'd been seeing but they'd moved into my parish … he didn't want them to got lost in the system.

Federal Labor minister Julie Collins highlighted Tate's dedication to the Labor Party, stating he "leaves behind a legacy of integrity, faith, and service to others." Born in Sydney, Tate studied law at the University of Tasmania, graduating with first-class honors, and later earned a master's in theology from Oxford. He lectured in constitutional law at the University of Tasmania, becoming dean of the law faculty.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff noted Tate's ability to "see beyond divisions and to find common ground." He added that many in politics across the aisle appreciated Tate's "kind reassurance, encouragement and insightful knowledge and guidance."

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He'd cut to the point, but he also had an incredible compassion for his people.

Tate's opposition to the Vietnam War and conscription led him to join the Labor Party. Elected to the Senate in 1977, he served as justice minister from 1987 to 1993. He was instrumental in advocating for conscientious objection to participation in specific military conflicts, eventually contributing to legislative changes in 1992. After leaving politics, he was appointed Australia's Ambassador to the Holy See and to The Hague.

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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.