Panda gets out of the Ministerial Zoo
The Victorian Member for Dandenong, John Pandazopoulos, today announced he had decided not to contest a position in the re-elected Bracks Government Ministry, saying “It is rare for a Minister to do two terms, let alone three, and it is always an honour to hold this position, which I have cherished the past seven years as a Minister and feel proud of what I have achieved.”
“Being a Minister is a demanding seven day a week position that takes a toll on your personal life, especially with the after hour duties required in multicultural affairs, racing, tourism and major events.
“It is important for Government to refresh itself, and it is good that there will be new faces in Cabinet.
“I will continue to work for the Bracks Government as the Member for Dandenong and I look forward to representing my constituents after they again showed their faith in me on the weekend.”
“I wish all members of Cabinet well and I will continue to work hard to support the Bracks Government throughout the coming term.”
Contrary to the flat line tourism business legacy being left behind by outgoing and non pre-selected NSW Minister for Tourism Sandra Nori, Mr Pandazopoulos is recognised as one of the more sucessful Minster’s of Tourism in Australia with some very credible achievements including:-
Supporting and helping build a more harmonious multicultural community in Victoria during a difficult international period, with specific focus on the settlement of new and emerging communities;
Overseeing a 50% increase in the value of the Victorian tourism industry, including record growth in international passenger numbers, to the point where the industry is expected to be worth $18 billion within 10 years;
Attracting and delivering a record number of Major Events in Victoria; and
Positioning the Victorian Racing industry as the strongest performer in Australia, and in the top four in the world, and overseeing the biggest Spring Racing Carnival ever.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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