Local government election results: Philip Ruddock claims victory of Hornsby Shire Council in local government elections
HISTORY repeated itself today when Hornsby Shire residents voted former Berowra federal Liberal MP Philip Ruddock to represent them once again — as mayor of Hornsby.
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HISTORY repeated itself today when Hornsby Shire residents voted former Berowra federal Liberal MP Philip Ruddock to represent them once again — as mayor of Hornsby.
Cr Ruddock claimed victory in Hornsby’s local government election at a celebration of the “biggest election” for the new mayor, at the Pennant Hills Hotel on Saturday night.
“It is all over and I am very excited by the outcome,” Cr Ruddock said.
“I am gratified for the support I have received from the community.
“I come intending to serve residents and will be sitting down with professional officers as soon as I can to implement the programs that are required to better this community.”
Despite the 74-year-old retiring from federal politics last year, Cr Ruddock will now serve a three-year term as mayor of Hornsby — and promises to continue to make a difference to his community.
“People talk about retirement, but I wasn’t retired,” Cr Ruddock said.
“I became the Special Envoy for human rights for the United Nations and continued to work for the community after leaving federal parliament.
“After I completed what was needed from me as a Special Envoy, I wanted to direct my time to matters I feel passionate about and that is how I got here.”
Cr Ruddock said he believed his future was in his “father’s hands” from the beginning and reflected on his father’s approach to council.
“His record and passion for Hornsby is a demonstration of his enormous affection for this area — not to mention the fact that he was a great role model to me,” he said.
Cr Ruddock was Australia’s longest-serving immigration minister and also served as special envoy for the United Nations, following his retirement from federal politics.
“I am keen to administer the council soundly, my predecessors reduced debt and budgeted conservatively.
“I have a passion for the bushland shire and want to ensure its interests are protected.
“For me as mayor, I know that many of these issues are out of our hands, but I intend to be a fierce advocate for the community.
“I am grateful people have the willingness to support me.”
Cr Ruddock’s return to power in the local area did not come without its own share of controversy — with the Liberal Party ousting former mayor Steve Russell to bring in the former Howard Government power player.
In July, Cr Russell said he was “not happy” after being told he would not run as the Liberal Party candidate for mayor, despite wanting to contest his position.
More than 99,000 Hornsby residents voted at more than 40 polling stations across the shire as part of the local government election.
The BIGGEST election in a decade ! And it's nearly over. THANK YOU for all the support and to those who turned out to help #hornsbyvotes pic.twitter.com/oxsr1aVHs7
— Philip Ruddock (@philipruddockmp) September 9, 2017
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