Thu, 3rd July 2008

Alexander Downer

The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP
Leader of the Opposition

I pay tribute to the career and public service of Alexander Downer, who announced his retirement today as the Member for Mayo.

Alexander has been a true and fearless champion of Liberal values and belief throughout his quarter of a century in public life.

Following his father and grandfather into a life of public service, Alexander Downer was first elected to the House of Representatives seat of Mayo in 1984.

Alexander served as the parliamentary leader of the Liberal Party of Australia from May 1994 until January 1995.

The dignified manner in which he stepped down from the leadership for John Howard was instrumental in paving the way for the election of the Howard Government the following year.

Over eleven and a half years Alexander Downer served with distinction as Australia’s foreign minister.

His achievements include significant roles in the Bougainville peace process in 1997 and in bringing independence to East Timor in 1999, standing up to terrorism after September 11 and the attacks in Bali, formulating Australia’s response to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and further strengthening Australia’s alliance with the United States.

As someone who has worked very closely with Alexander Downer in Cabinet over many years, it was always clear to me that he remained a dedicated servant of the people of Mayo – as focused on the issues and events affecting his local community as matters of national and international importance. Correspondence from constituents and local newspaper clippings were always on top of his pile.

It should also be recognised that Alexander Downer was instrumental in driving some of the key defence procurement decisions which have rebuilt the Australian Defence Force, including the three Air Warfare Destroyers, Abrams tanks, C-17s and two additional battalions for the Australian Army.

On behalf of the Liberal Party of Australia, I would like to thank Alexander Downer for his magnificent service. I also thank his wife Nicky and his entire family for the sacrifices they have made in support of Alexander, and, through him, Australia.