Debus appointed AM in honours list

13 Jun 2011, 4:42 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Former NSW state and federal minister Bob Debus has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen's Birthday honours list.

Former NSW state and federal minister Bob Debus has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen's Birthday honours list.

Mr Debus was on Monday honoured for services to the NSW and federal parliaments during a 28-year political career as a member of the Australian Labor Party.

The 67-year-old was also recognised for his role in the development of an emergency services response framework, his contributions to legal and environmental reforms and to the community.

"I'm really gratified that there should be an award which reflects the importance of the everyday work of government," Mr Debus told AAP.

"So much of what we hear about government and politics concerns conflict and sensation of one sort or another.

"But really, most work of government is uncontroversial and deals with the improvement of services that might be provided to the people."

As NSW Attorney General, he spearheaded legal reforms such as 11-1 majority verdicts in all criminal jury trials.

Under his watch the state government also introduced laws preventing sexual assault victims being cross-examined by their alleged attackers. In 2007 Mr Debus switched to federal politics, serving as Home Affairs minister in the Rudd government until his retirement in 2010.

"There are some days when I miss the excitement, and a lot of other days when I feel pleased to have a more sedate existence," he said.

Mr Debus is the former federal member of the seat of Macquarie and was the NSW member for the Blue Mountains from 1981 to 1988 and 1995 to 2007.

Mr Debus has also been involved with charity organisations such as Australian Freedom from Hunger Campaign, now known as Oxfam Australia.

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Your Comments

mrs

vicar of calderbury - from london, 12 months ago

say it isnt so.. just cant believe it. he had ruined nsw and had left vicitms of crime devastated. australia, just when i thought theres everything to know about it.. somehow you have always managed to surprise me

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