Parliamentary and Electoral Reform Minister Geoff Gallop paid tribute today to Liberal MLA Bill Grayden on the occasion of his 36th anniversary as Member for South Perth.
Dr Gallop said Mr Grayden had the distinction of contributing the longest unbroken period of service by current members of all the parliaments in Australia.
"Bill Grayden has successfully contested 12 consecutive Legislative Assembly elections and seen four changes of State Government," Dr Gallop said.
"Two runners-up in the Victorian Parliament for Mr Grayden's title of longest unbroken service by a current MP, trail his record by over four years.
"Even an institution in Australian politics, like the Rt Hon Ian Sinclair, has served continuously for some six and a half years less than the Member for South Perth's unbroken term."
Dr Gallop said Mr Grayden had served as a minister in the 1970s and 1980s. He had held the title of Father of the Legislative Assembly since 1986.
"Holding this record affirms that the Member for South Perth has strength of character and a strong commitment to parliamentary service," Dr Gallop said.
"On this anniversary of a 36-year political journey, I would like to acknowledge Bill Grayden's achievement, along with his contribution to this Parliament and the people of Western Australia."
