Andrew is the scion of Greek immigrant parents who arrived in Australia after WW2.
His father owned fish & chip shops and expanded into wholesale fresh fish supplies and scallop fishing.
Andrew was elected to the Geelong City Council in 2008 and to the State Parliament in 2010 and 2014.
He became involved in politics when the government planned to increase the fish business’ registration fees by over one thousand percent.
He is the member for SOUTH BARWON and is currently Government Whip in the Lower governing House.
Andrew spoke of his work day as a politician.
When Parliament is Sitting the day has a set sequence of activities according to a timetable agreed beforehand but sometimes subject to change.
Andrew spoke of his work day as a politician.
When Parliament is Sitting the day has a set sequence of activities according to a timetable agreed beforehand but sometimes subject to change.
- Members’ Statements — A selection of members are each allowed 90 seconds to make a statement on an issue or matter of their choice.
- Committee Reports — Each of six Committee Members are permitted to speak for five minutes to the Committee Report that is presented (or tabled).
- Second Readings of Legislation before the House — This is when Bills are introduced. Sometimes there is a brief explanation from the sponsoring Minister.
- Question Time — There are two classes of Questions
Questions from the Opposition members are Questions without Notice and designed to be gotcha moments to embarrass the government.
Questions from the Government members are usually rehearsed and are Dorothy Dixers.
This refers to the magazine that ran a column ‘Ask Dorothy Dix’ and it was obvious that the person who writes the question is also the person who writes the answer! - Constituency Question Time — Akin to Questions on (previous) Notice.
- Matters of Public Importance — On alternate days the Government and Opposition set the agenda for discussion and up to two hours is allotted to hear five or six speakers from each side of the House
- Second Readings of Legislation before the House — This is when debate occurs across the Chamber
- Adjournment Debate —Similar to Members’ Statements.
Up to five speakers from each side are permitted to speak for five minutes each.
There are limits on the subject matter in that the speaker may not request any legislation to be introduced nor request the Federal Government to intervene or assist with a matter.
When Parliament Sits, the Whip’s job is to ensure there are sufficient LNP Members in the House to fill the list of speakers, answer a quorum call or attend a vote.
It is his task to allocate speaker slots to each and all members on his side of the House. He has to be mindful of Members interests, abilities and profile in the community.
This also means that he has a large influence on the topics covered each day while he both supports the Cabinet agenda and responds to the Opposition agenda.
The Opposition Whip performs a similar task on the other side of the House.
Andrew answered a number of questions on policy and political matters.
Chairman Daryll thanked Andrew for his attendance and talk.
Chairman Daryll thanked Andrew for his attendance and talk.