The Hon. Al Grassby AM (1926-2005) was born in Brisbane of a second-generation Spanish father and an Irish mother. He was a journalist before becoming the Labour member for Murrumbidgee NSW (1965-1969). He was Minister for Immigration (1972-1974) under the Whitlam government and a keen advocate for multiculturalism. Following his defeat in the 1974 elections he held various government posts. He was known as a gregarious and idealistic person with a flamboyant dress sense.