Rev Dr Gordon Moyes Appointed as NSW Family First Leader
10 November 2009
Today, the National Chairman of Family First, Mr Bob Day AO, announced on behalf of the National Executive and the NSW Division of Family First:
“I am pleased to report that the Federal Executive of Family First has accepted Dr Gordon Moyes AC, as a member of the Party and appoints him to be the Parliamentary representative of Family First in New South Wales Parliament.
Bob Day extolled the calibre of Dr Moyes when he stated, “Gordon Moyes represents the rare group of visionary humanitarians in the mould of William Booth the founder of the Salvation Army, Edith Cowan, Fred Hollows, and Tim Costello.”
Mr Day added, “Gordon’s Wesley Mission has helped literally thousands of disadvantaged people who have found themselves in dire straits. Family First Australia is delighted with the news that a man of Gordon’s stature has taken the Family First banner in New South Wales Parliament to continue to fight for families and the disadvantaged.”
Dr Moyes commented, “It is with both humility and pride, that I accept the appointment to be the NSW Parliamentary Leader for Family First. I will continue to serve and fight for those whose voices are not heard. During my years in Parliament, I have sought to improve legislation for the families of New South Wales, and in some cases, stop legislation that will be detrimental for the people of this great State.”
Recently, Dr Moyes was vehemently opposed to the privatisation of our electricity industry and the privatisation of the State’s correctional centres. Dr Moyes rejected the sale of Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme to overseas companies. Dr Moyes was also instrumental as the Chairperson of the Inquiry into the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme.
Everyday, Dr Moyes works tirelessly serving the interests of families, elderly people and children. For instance, he has represented retirement village residents, self-funded retirees, and pensioners when the Retirement Villages Amendment Bill was introduced last year.
In recent months, Dr Moyes has supported local communities and voted against the Homebush Motor Racing (Sydney 400) Bill and the Motor Sports (World Rally Championship) Bill. He also opposed the NSW Lotteries (Authorised Transaction) Bill, and the Education Amendment (Publication of School Results) Bill.
Dr Moyes, a stalwart figure in the NSW Upper House, has condemned the influence of property developers in the State’s planning process. His questions to Ministers in Parliament demand transparency and accountability from the NSW Government to matters lacking honesty and integrity.
Dr Moyes stated, “In the middle of all the Government cutbacks, I was successful in lobbying that children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia should receive special or additional assistance in basic educational areas. The Education Amendment (Educational Support for Children with Significant Learning Difficulties) received bipartisan support.”
After intense lobbying, Dr Moyes was crucial in obtaining Treasury approval for the funding of $9 million for 285 additional specially trained teachers to help children with learning difficulties in the State’s schools.
An active Member of Parliament, Dr Moyes hosts the weekly Parliamentary Christian Prayer Fellowship, organises the annual Prayer Fellowship Luncheon attended by religious leaders and Members of Parliament. He also organises the monthly public forum, Christian Focus on Society.
Dr Moyes said in accepting his new position, “We are now facing some of the most serious issues to come before our Parliament. The Family First Party has all the values for family and social life we approve. Family First was successful in getting Parliamentarians elected in West Australia, three in South Australia, and a Senator from Victoria.”
Dr Moyes continued, “We are organising the Family First Party to give it success in New South Wales. Currently, we are recruiting members and candidates for the next State election in 2011. As the NSW leader, I will lead a team of a dozen candidates for the Upper House as well as the Lower House electorates.”
Already busy with his new role, Dr Moyes has also established The Council for Family Organisations, a peak body that will include all organisations working for the welfare of the family and its members. The peak body includes family organisations from different backgrounds, races and religions.
“My wife of fifty years, Beverley, is supporting me in all this as she has always done. We have for many years produced a magazine called MarriageWorks which is designed to help people improve their marriages.”
Dr Gordon Moyes was elected Father of the Year in 1986. In 1979, Dr and Mrs Moyes became carers to over 30 Vietnamese orphans who arrived as ‘boat people’. They took responsibility for them until they all graduated from High School.
As Superintendent of Wesley Mission for almost thirty years, Dr Moyes was responsible for the care and support of over 4,000 children per year through Dalmar Child and Family Care.
Separately, both Dr and Mrs Moyes were inducted as Members of the Order of Australia (A.M.). In 2002, Dr Gordon Moyes was made an A.C., Companion of the Order of Australia, Australia’s highest honour.
Dr Gordon Moyes concluded, “As the Parliamentary Leader of NSW Family First, I will continue to serve the people of New South Wales with principles and values of faith and family.” END.
Visit www.gordonmoyes.com and www.nsw-familyfirst.org.au/NSW.htm
Contact: Dr Gordon Moyes on 0407 433 499.
Maria Silos on 9230 3340.
