The Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet advises that a State Funeral Service for the Honourable Robert Ian Knowles AO will take place at 10.30 am on Friday 15 May 2026 at the Cathedral Church of Christ the King, Ballarat, Victoria.
Rob was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 1976, representing the Ballarat Province in the Victorian Legislative Council until 1999. He held several senior ministerial roles as Minister for Housing (1992–1996), Minister for Aged Care (1992–1999), and Minister for Health (1996–1999).
Following his parliamentary career, Rob continued to serve through senior leadership and board roles, including as Commissioner of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission, Chair of the Victorian Health Reform and Innovation Council, and Chair of the Board of the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. In 2007, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to the community as a contributor to a range of aged care, mental health, medical research and cultural organisations through the development of policies and protocols relating to food standards; and to the Victorian Parliament.
Details regarding the service and online condolences are available on the Victorian Government website.
As a mark of mourning and respect, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Friday 15 May 2026 in Victoria only from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.
- When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
- If a set of flags includes the flags of other nations, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
- An acceptable half-mast position would be when the top of the flag is a third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole.
- Information on flag protocol is available on the Department's website.
Your assistance is appreciated.
Commonwealth Flag Officer