Andrew Fraser (Queensland politician)

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Andrew Fraser (born 1976) is the Treasurer of the Queensland Government.

[edit] Early life

Fraser undertook a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce at Griffith University, obtaining first class honours and was winner of the University Medal.[1]

[edit] Political career

In 2004, Fraser was elected as the State Member for Mount Coot-tha and was subsequently re-elected in 2006. After the 2006 election, Fraser was appointed to the position of Local Government Minister, where he oversaw controversial council amalgamations in Queensland. The amalgamations were forced, leading to an outcry by many local councils. Some councils planned to hold referendums on the issue, prompting Fraser and Premier Peter Beattie to threaten to sack mayors who organised the referendums. Both Fraser and Beattie backed down after John Howard offered to pay for the referendums.

On 13 September 2007, Peter Beattie resigned as Premier of Queensland. That day, Treasurer Anna Bligh was appointed as the new Premier, and Fraser was appointed Treasurer. At a subsequent media conference, Fraser stumbled by saying that he hoped to be a "future-focussed Premier", but quickly corrected himself.[2]

At the age of 30, he is the second youngest Treasurer in the state's history.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Taylor, Fiona (14 September 2007). Griffith alumnus appointed as Treasurer. Griffith News. Griffith University. Retrieved on 2007-09-16.
  2. ^ PM - Bligh begins as Qld Premier
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