QUEENSLAND'S GERMAN CONNECTIONS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Parliamentary participation since 1866

He was Minister for Police and Emergency Services (1989-1991), Housing and Local Government (1991-1996), Regional and Rural Communities (1998-1999), Local Government and Planning (1998-2000), and Communication and Information (1998-2001). In November 2000 he became Deputy Premier and in February 2001 Treasurer. He remained in this portfolio until his resignation in July 2005. Other than Judy Spence (Mt Gravatt 1989-2009, Sunnybank 2009-2012) and Max Menzel, later members have served shorter terms. Menzel, a cane farmer from North Queensland, represented Mulgrave 1980–1989. Those elected since 1980 are Lyle Schuntner (Mt Coot-tha 1986-1989), Clive Berghofer (1986-1991), Ted Radke (Greenslopes 1995-1998), Bill Baumann (Albert 1995-2001), Dr Peter Prenzler (Lockyer 1998-2001), Jeffrey Knuth (Burdekin 1998-2001), and Wayne Wendt (2006-2012).

The next MP of German descent also came from the Fassifern region, although not of farming stock. Dr Felix Dittmer was the Australian-born son of a German chemist at Dugandan. He represented Mt Gravatt 1950–1957 and, after losing his seat, made a transition to federal politics and was elected in 1958 to the Senate, where he served until 1970. Lindsay Hartwig, a Central Queensland farmer and grazier, represented Callide from 1972–1986, the last five years as an Independent after his expulsion from the National Party. Ray Kruger was the Labor Member for Murrumba 1977–1986. Two members first elected in the 1970s served for more than 20 years. Len Stephan entered the parliament in 1979 as the Member for Gympie, and held the seat until his retirement in 2001. (He passed away as this book was going to print.) Terry Mackenroth decided at age 13 he wanted to be a politician. A welder by trade, he was a principal of a steel fabrication and building company when he was elected in 1977 as the Member for Chatsworth. Whether in government or in opposition he held significant portfolios or shadow portfolios.

Others have served federally, and many hundreds have given sterling service in local government as mayors, shire chairmen, councillors, and as members of Divisional Boards in earlier years. The desire of those first German settlers to become an integral part of their new communities established a pattern of participation which has continued to the present day and has served the state well. Long-term relationships built to order. Just another day at the office.

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Industrial Installation & Maintenance al Installation & Maintenanc

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