Andy is a person committed to serving his community. He and his family have been residents of Torquay for thirty seven years and in that time he has been a wildlife rescuer and community campaigner.
Andy has made an informal study of both domestic and international politics for over twenty five years, and learned his political style from his days in construction and his affiliation with the trade union movement.
He was elected to the Victorian Legislative Council in 2018 and served the Western Victorian Region with dedication and hard work.
As well as maintaining relationships with his local constituents, he was always travelling throughout the Region, keeping close contact with his Shire Councils, always advocating for the needs of their communities.
Andy served on three Parliamentary Standing Committees, and also chaired two Government enquiries. One, an enquiry into the alarming rate of death by suicide amongst young LGBTIQA people, resulted in all his recommendations being accepted and the establishment in both Geelong and Ballarat of “Safer Spaces”, where these at risk youth can gain access to the services they need.
The second, into Pound and Shelter Reform, has also resulted in major changes to the sector.
In keeping with his eye on international affairs, Andy also co-chaired the “Parliamentary Friends of South Pacific Nations”, a group established to exchange ideas and keep open the lines of political discourse in the region.
Andy was also one of the instigators of Bills to pass laws against wage theft and industrial manslaughter legislation.
Since his departure from the Parliament in 2022, Andy has continued to serve his community, currently serving on two Boards, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, where he is the current Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, and also the National Parks Advisory Council. He also served on a charity Board at Transcend Australia before stepping down to give way to young Trans people to have their voices heard.
Andy still has the fire to serve Victoria, as he believes that there is so much more work to be done, and that our democracy must be protected against racism and hate. He is looking forward to the fight!
Contact Andy: Western@vic.democrats.org.au
