Local nod for long-serving MPs

THE CITY of Greater Geelong has initiated a new program to applaud the region’s long-serving parliamentarians, with a retiring state MP the first recipient of the new award.

The city established its State and Federal Elected Parliamentary Service Recognition Program at this month’s council meeting, in a move mayor Trent Sullivan said was aimed at “improving civic relationships”.

The new acknowledgement will reward state and federal MPs who clock up more than 10 years of service to electorates in the greater Geelong region, with the MPs to receive their awards once they retire or are defeated at an election.

Former Lara MP John Eren was the first politician to receive the award at this month’s meeting, after stepping away from his seat at this year’s election following 20 years representing the community.

Retired Bellarine MP Lisa Neville is also eligible for the award and is expected to receive it early next year.

Deputy Geelong mayor Anthony Aitken moved a motion to establish the new program that he said would honour achievements of the region’s long-serving MPs.

“Elected parliamentary service is the pinnacle of our democratic system,” he said.

“Members of our community who serve as elected parliamentary officials are representing our local community at the highest level, protecting and enshrining the democratic principles we value so highly in Australia.

“To serve at any level of government is an honour as an elected official, but to serve for over 10 years plus deserves recognition of the contribution that those individuals and their families have made to our democracy and the local community in Geelong.

“Council is the best placed democratic institution to use its civic responsibilities and leadership of our local community to establish this program which recognise this unique service.”