Gordon Moyes

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Rev Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC
Rev Hon Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC

Gordon Keith Mackenzie Moyes AC MLC (b. November 17, 1938) is an Australian religious figure. A Christian evangelist, broadcaster, and politician, he has been a Christian Democratic Party member of the New South Wales Legislative Council since 2002.

He first gained prominence in Australia as host of the weekly television program Turn 'Round Australia and radio program Sunday Night Live with Gordon Moyes.

Prior to becoming Superintendent of Wesley Mission in 1979 he was an ordained Churches of Christ in Australia minister, serving at Victorian churches in Ascot/Newmarket, Ararat, and Cheltenham. There was some controversy in the New South Wales Synod of the Uniting Church at the time of his transfer to Wesley Mission, and to resolve this he was re-ordained by the Uniting Church. In December 2005 he resigned after 27 years from his position at Wesley Mission and handed over to his successor, Dr Keith Garner of the United Kingdom.

Moyes was appointed to the Legislative Council in 2002, after the resignation of veteran MLC Elaine Nile, wife of party leader Fred Nile. He was subsequently elected in his own right at the 2003 state election. Moyes has concentrated on moral issues, attacking what he views as the "moral erosion" of Australian society. He often quotes Biblical passages when arguing his stance on proposed legislation. He has strongly fought against liberalising pornography and brothel legislation, seeing them a form of exploitation of women and contributing to the breakdown of the family unit. He also opposes embryonic stem cell research, abortion and euthanasia.

Moyes has often campaigned on behalf of the disadvantaged, a position informed by his background in social work. He has been a strong advocate for reforms of the juvenile justice system and personal injury legislation. Moyes has also often taken pro-environment positions, speaking regularly on the need for sustainable farming practices and renewable water and energy resources.

Moyes is a recipient of the Companion of The Order of Australia. He has also received the honors of Member of The Order of Australia (1986), Paul Harris Fellow (1978), and the Australian Father Of The Year award (1986).

Two books have been written about his life. Gordon Moyes: The Man, the Media, the Mission was published in 2000, and the autobiography Leaving a Legacy in 2005.

As the New South Wales Legislative Council only has half of its membership elected at eight year intervals, Fred Nile faced re-election at the recent New South Wales legislative election, 2007, while Moyes will not have to face the state electorate until 2011.

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