FAREWELL TO A FRIEND OF OUR REGION

17-September-2009

Brendan Nelson, former Leader of the Liberal Party gave his valedictory speech in Parliament last night. He reflected on the things he was proud of, particularly his time as a Howard Government Minister.

“Locally, we can thank Brendan for the work he did to save the Mulwala propellant plant guaranteeing an indigenous capacity to produce munitions and protecting local jobs and businesses.

“He came, he listened and he delivered for us,” Mrs Mirabella said.

 “Brendan Nelson achieved a lot for the Australian people over his years as a Minister in the Howard Government,” Sophie Mirabella, Federal Member for Indi said today.

Dr Nelson served as Minister for Education and as Parliamentary Secretary for Defence in the Howard Government.

As Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Dr Nelson was the driving force behind the rebuilding of the plant.

“By saving the Mulwala factory, Dr Nelson saved hundreds of direct jobs and countless indirect jobs and ensured that Australia’s defence production of munitions remained on shore.

“This was one of Brendan Nelson’s greatest achievements,” Mrs Mirabella said.

Last night Dr Nelson referred to his involvement in the rebuilding of the Mulwala plant as his “proudest achievement as Parliamentary Secretary for Defence.”