NO GREATER EMPATHY

PRIME Minister John Howard addressed a crowd of more than 250 people at a lunch at Worrigee House in Nowra on Monday to mark 10 years in parliament Member for Gilmore member Joanna Gash.

Mr Howard heaped praise on the Federal? Member for Gilmore, saying you could not find anybody in national politics who demonstrates a greater empathy for their electorate.

Mr Howard described Mrs Gash as a very passionate member of parliament saying he admired and respected the tenacity and strength of character she had shown as a member of the federal government over the last decade.

It is quite obvious the affection she is held in by the local people she represents, said Mr Howard.

Joanna won what was then the marginal seat of Gilmore and by the 2001 election had won the seat with a greater margin than both myself and Joe Hockey, both who were supposedly in blue ribbon staunch Liberal seats, he said.

She is deeply involved in all facets of the local community.

Mr Howard went on to label the former Dutch migrants career in politics as a metaphor for the modern day Liberal party saying she was an example of the classless, egalitarian and female friendly way the government was run.

Joanna is the sort of extraordinarily hard working person who can take a small business (Raneleagh House) and turn it into a very successful venture, he said

Joanna is a very admired and cherished member of parliament.

Her colleagues hold her in the highest esteem for the tireless work she has done for the Liberal party.

Although Joanna and I dont always agree on everything, which is a very positive and healthy thing I truly appreciate what she has done for the people of Gilmore and I thank her very much for efforts over the last 10 years.

I have nothing but admiration and respect for you, Joanna, and I wish you much success in the future.

Mrs Gash, who was joined at the lunch by her two daughters and grandchildren, took the opportunity to thank everyone who had helped her during her time in government, saying it had been an honour to represent the people of Gilmore over the last decade.

There are so many people who have contributed over the last 10 years and I wish to thank them all, she said.

They have been a learning experience but one which I have very much enjoyed.

The last 10 years of coalition government has gone so quickly and we have achieved a lot to be proud over this time but as the Prime Minister keeps telling us, we can do better and we will, she said.?

Mrs Gash also announced Jamberoos Trevor Fredericks as the likely Liberal candidate for the seat of Kiama, introducing Mr Fredericks to a crowd that included parliamentarian Bronwyn Bishop and former NSW Premier, John Fahey.

Trevor has not yet been endorsed for the seat of Kiama but I really hope he does, she said.

I am sure he will be standing as the new Liberal candidate for the seat of Kiama.

Meanwhile the prime minister also used the opportunity to spruik the governments controversial new industrial relations reforms.

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