Continuing my photo scanning and recollections, this entry is sure to fuel the fire of local Labor conspiracy theorists who warned John Bowler I was a National Party hack out to get him.
John and I have a good working relationship, and for the record I am not a member of any political party.
In 1986 though I was state president of the Victorian Young Nationals. This picture was taken at the conference in Harrietville where I was elected.
I won a public speaking competition and Peter McGauran presented me with the trophy. I went to the dinner dance dressed as a Blues Brother, but took the shades off for this snap.
I had a lot of respect for Peter. We came from the same town and he was elected to Parliament about the time my political interest was awakening. He is currently the Minister for Agriculture in John Howard’s Cabinet. I’ve only met him once since those early days.
One particularly good memory I have is of his generosity. I decided in late 1986 to focus on a career in journalism. While waiting to hear if I’d got into a course at RMIT I accepted an offer to study rural journalism at Muresk in Western Australia.
Peter thought it was a big decision to make and offered to fly me over to WA for a look at his expense. I didn’t take up the offer, and ultimately went to RMIT instead, but I’ve not forgotten the gesture.
Update (March 15, 2008): I had to update the photo because it disappeared from its previous location. Of course, Peter McGauran is no longer the Federal Agriculture Minister following the Coalition’s defeat at the December 2007 election. I’m disappointed he didn’t assume the National Party leadership. He was the best man for the job.
