George Souris

The Honourable
George Souris
Member of the New South Wales Parliament
for Upper Hunter
In office
19 March 1988  6 March 2015
Preceded by Col Fisher
Succeeded by Michael Johnsen
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing
In office
3 April 2011  23 April 2014
Preceded by Jodi McKay, Kevin Greene
Succeeded by Andrew Stoner (as Minister for Tourism and Major Events);
Troy Grant (as Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing)
Minister for the Arts
In office
3 April 2011  23 April 2014
Premier Barry O'Farrell
Preceded by Virginia Judge
Succeeded by Troy Grant
Personal details
Born 12 July 1949
Gunnedah, New South Wales
Nationality Australian
Political party National Party
Spouse(s) Vassy
Alma mater University of New England
Profession Accountant
Website Parliamentary website

George Souris (born 12 July 1949) is an Australian politician and former member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, representing Upper Hunter for the National Party of Australia from 1988 to 2015. Souris is a former leader of the National Party in NSW.

Early years and background

He was born at Gunnedah and was educated at The Armidale School and the University of New England. He has practised as a qualified public accountant, company auditor and taxation consultant. He is married with two sons.[1]

Political career

Souris has represented Upper Hunter for the National Party of Australia since 1988. He was Minister for Finance and Minister for Ethnic Affairs from July 1992 to May 1993 and Minister for Land and Water Conservation from May 1993 to the defeat of the Fahey government in March 1995. He was the leader of the Parliamentary National Party from January 1999 to March 2003.[2]

Souris was previously deputy leader of the Nationals from 1993 to 1999 when he ousted Ian Armstrong as leader. When he stood down as National Party leader he became the first person to leave the National Party leadership without becoming deputy premier since Sir Davis Hughes (served 1958 to 1959 when the party was then called the Country Party).

Souris was the Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts in the O'Farrell government, between 2011 and 2014. He was also Minister for the Hunter between December 2013 and April 2014. When O'Farrell was succeeded as Premier by Mike Baird, Souris was dumped from Cabinet, a decision that disappointed Souris. On 27 September he announced that he will retire and not recontest Upper Hunter at the 2015 election. On his retirement announcement he revealed that it was the decision of Deputy Premier and his successor as Nationals leader Andrew Stoner for him to be removed from Cabinet, not Premier Baird's.[3]

References

Parliament of New South Wales
Preceded by
Col Fisher
Member for Upper Hunter
1988–2015
Succeeded by
Michael Johnsen
Political offices
Preceded by
Bob Rowland Smith
Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing
1991–1992
Succeeded by
Joe Schipp
Preceded by
Phillip Smiles
Assistant Treasurer of New South Wales
1992–1993
Vacant
Title next held by
John Della Bosca
Preceded by
John Fahey
Minister for Ethnic Affairs
1992–1995
Succeeded by
Bob Carr
Preceded by
Virginia Judge
Minister for the Arts
2011–2014
Succeeded by
Troy Grant
Preceded by
Jodi McKay
as Minister for Tourism
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing
2011–2014
Succeeded by
Andrew Stoner
as Minister for Tourism and Major Events
Preceded by
Kevin Greene
as Minister for Gaming and Racing
and Minister for Major Events
Succeeded by
Troy Grant
as Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing
Party political offices
Preceded by
Ian Armstrong
Deputy Leader of the New South Wales National Party
1993–1999
Succeeded by
John Turner
Leader of the New South Wales National Party
1999–2003
Succeeded by
Andrew Stoner