Nationals stalwart Paul Neville to up stumps
9th October, 2012
AFTER an illustrious two decades at the crease in federal parliament, going into bat for his beloved regional Queensland, Member for Hinkler Paul Neville will call an end to a stellar innings at the next election.“Paul informed The Nationals party room of his decision last night and the Coalition party room this morning,” Leader of The Nationals Warren Truss said today.
“Paul and his wife Margaret have been popular parliamentary colleagues. From the backbench, Paul has made a remarkable contribution to Australian life. His example is testimony to the fact that you don’t need to occupy ministerial offices to make a real difference to the people you represent and the nation as a whole.
“Paul entered federal politics at the 1993 election, narrowly winning the seat of Hinkler from Labor, and we have been neighbours, colleagues and friends ever since.
“His electoral margins have always been slim but at the last election he won Hinkler with a 10.4% thumping. His repeated electoral success, often against the odds, are a tribute to his achievements as a local champion.
“As chair of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, Transport and Microeconomic Reform, Paul was instrumental in the Howard Government’s cross-media ownership laws, largely responsible for the regulatory formula.
“He has also been a strong and vocal champion for local content in regional media, especially regional radio. The regulations he pushed as chair ensure local content in regional media is enshrined.
“It was also in this capacity that he oversaw seminal re-thinks on transport and infrastructure issues, including the national rail report ‘Tracking Australia’, ‘Beyond the Midnight Oil’ exploring fatigue in transport, ‘The Great Freight Task’ on burgeoning road and rail demand and ‘Planning Not Patching’, which took a much-needed forward-thinking approach to transport infrastructure in Australia.
“It is also a little known fact that Paul was a driving force behind the Howard Government’s expansion of the Private Health Insurance Rebate Scheme to recognise the contribution of older Australians through the 35% rebate for 65-69-year-olds and the 40% rebate for over 70s.
“He was also instrumental in the Howard Government’s First Home Buyer’s Grants scheme.
“Paul has also made an indelible impression on The Nationals. A natural storyteller, jokester and entertainer, he has been regaling his colleagues and constituents with tales for 20 years and he will be missed.
“He served as National Party Whip since 1998. His contribution to The Nationals began in 1969 as Queensland State President of the Young Nationals, closely followed by a decade through the mid-70s to mid-80s with stints as President, Vice-President and Secretary of The Nationals Wide Bay Division Council.
“Since winning Hinkler, Paul has turned this once marginal seat into Nationals heartland. That result hasn’t been by accident. It has been through his passion and unwavering determination to represent the interests of the people, businesses and communities of the region.
“At 72, Paul and Margaret have earned their day in the sun. We love them deeply and they retire with our admiration and eternal friendship.”
[ENDS]
