SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
25 years of service on the Townsville City Council and as the Federal Member for Herbert. Highlights include assisting James Cook University to become the leading tropical University in the world, facilitating major changes to the road network, the complete redevelopment of Lavarack Barracks and the handing over of Jezzine Barracks to the Townsville Community.
SERVICE TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Led the community battle to establish the Reef Representative Areas Program. Through the most comprehensive process of community involvement and participatory planning for any environmental issue in Australia’s history, a visionary new Zoning Plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was implemented providing a sustainable framework for the conservation and use of the resources of the Reef, now and into the future.
SERVICE TO THE PARLIAMENT
Appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Defence. Served on countless Parliamentary committees. Officially represented Australia in Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Pakistan, Federated States of Micronesia and the United States. Was a deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
SERVICE TO YOUTH
Worked to see the establishment of the Left Right Think Tank, Australia’s first independent, non-partisan think-tank of young minds focused on a mission to involve young people in public policy. Foundation Chairman of Global Voices whose mission is to provide opportunities for young Australians to engage with international policy both at home and abroad.
SERVICE TO BUSINESS
Owned and operated an electronic service business for 25 years. Active member of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce and Townsville Enterprise Limited
SERVICE TO ROTARY
Oversaw the successful establishment of the Rotary Club of Townsville Daybreak and broke the Australian record for the biggest new club ever charted. Challenged the conservative nature of Rotary at the time and launched the club with a 50:50 male/female membership.