Former Box Hill MP Robert Clark leaves parliament after 30 years

Box Hill’s former MP of 28 years and ‘the father of the house’ has farewelled parliament. But he definitely won’t be stepping away from politics, the electorate, or the Liberal Party.

Robert Clark is leaving parliament after 30 years. Picture: Josie Hayden

For the first time in 28 years the culturally diverse seat of Box Hill has elected a new representative.

And with the baton-change, Labor’s swing has meant Victorian Parliament has farewelled “the father of the house” after 30 years of service.

Robert Clark graciously congratulated his successor through the Whitehorse Leader when the results turned against him on November 24.

The devoted Liberal is moving away from parliament, but he definitely won’t be stepping away from politics, the electorate, or the Liberal Party.

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The Surrey Hills man has been with Box Hill as it’s grown from a double-storey suburb to what real estate agents call ‘Melbourne’s second CBD’.

“It’s gone from a time when the council thought it would be a good idea to encourage a few more taller buildings to now — when it’s overwhelmed by applications for high rise towers,” he said.

Robert Clark is leaving parliament after 30 years. Picture: Josie Hayden

Mr Clark was instrumental in redeveloping Box Hill Hospital, the growth of Box Hill TAFE and extending the Eastern Freeway to Springvale Rd.

Serving broader Victoria, Mr Clark said he was most proud of the two terms he was part of the government.

Under Jeff Kennett he worked on port and reform and water industry reform in the 1990s. “The state was a mess and we turned it around and got it heading in the right direction,” he said.

Then Box Hill MP Robert Clark and then Doncaster MP Mary Wooldridge campaigned for the Box Hill Hospital to be upgraded in 2008.

“That period really transformed the state for the better and laid framework for strong economic growth and development that we’ve had from mid 1990s.”

He was Attorney-General and Finance Minister under the Baillieu-Napthine Government, focusing on strengthening aspects of the criminal law.

He abolished suspended sentences, home detention and reformed parole, while as Finance Minister, he managed the state’s tight funds.

With decades of experience behind him, the 61-year-old continues to have a vision for the future.

The Hon Robert Clark MP speaks with media during a doorstop at Parliament House in Melbourne on Sunday 30th November, 2014. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“There’s so many important issues facing society that hopefully I’ve got something to continue to offer from outside the parliament.”

He believes Box Hill urgently needs a new planning regime to cope with its growth and approve amenity.

He said there was a lot to be done on a council and state level, and in collaboration with the shopping centre owner to “position Box Hill to be a welcoming and friendly centre for decades to come”.

“If we don’t seize that opportunity now its going to be a mess of chaos and wind tunnels and we’re going to live to regret it.”

Robert Clark was attorney-general under the Napthine-Baileau government. Picture: Josie Hayden

Socially, Mr Clark said work needed to continue to build bridges between Chinese migrants and the broader community.

He has been fortunate to be directly connected to the Chinese community through his wife, who is of Chinese ancestry, with some describing him as a ‘son-in-law of the Chinese community’.

“It’s a matter of putting people in contact with one another, breaking down barriers, trying to encourage local Chinese traders to have more English language signs, so other Aussies at least feel comfortable walking into their stores, even if they’re not going to be big customers.”

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While they stand on opposing sides of the political spectrum, speaking to the media last week Premier Daniel Andrews thanked Mr Clark “for his distinguished service” on behalf of all Victorians.

Mr Andrews referred to Mr Clark as “the father of the house” and a“parliamentarian”.

“My utmost respect to what he’s achieved.”