Former federal immigration minister Philip Ruddock is departing public service after almost 50 years.
Ruddock – who is approaching the end of his second term as mayor of Hornsby Shire, a local government area situated on Sydney’s upper north shore – said in a statement: “It has been my pleasure and privilege to dedicate my life to service, and to see out my career in public office by making a difference in my own community has been incredibly special to me.”
Immigration minister in John Howard’s Coalition government from 1996 to 2003 and attorney general from 2003 to 2007, Ruddock was a Liberal member of the House of Representatives for 43 years – making him the second longest-serving parliamentarian in the history of the Australian parliament. He has been mayor of Hornsby Shire since 2017.
Reflecting on his “deep-rooted connection with local government”, Ruddock said “it is my strong belief that there is nothing more satisfying than to serve my community”.
Listing some of his achievements as mayor, Ruddock made mention of a number of community projects including a major recreation space at Hornsby Park, the Galston Aquatic Centre upgrades, a new boat ramp at Wisemans Ferry, and “countless parks and playgrounds”.
Ruddock also initiated a campaign to preserve and grow Hornsby Shire Council’s tree canopy, which saw 30,000 trees planted across the LGA.
More recently, Ruddock advocated on behalf of council to the NSW government around its medium-density housing reforms. “It is important that we get the balance right between development and preserving our precious bushland and open spaces,” he said.
Ruddock’s time in council had not been without its “challenges and shocks” including “the Covid-19 pandemic with all its uncertainties and complications, severe storms and multiple unprecedented floods”.
Describing himself as “a person for the people”, Ruddock said one of the biggest pleasures of being mayor was presiding over hundreds of citizenship ceremonies, “coming face-to-face with thousands of new residents from all over the world”.
Ruddock commended council for working collaboratively during his tenure to deliver positive outcomes for the people of Hornsby Shire. “That’s a rare achievement, where Liberals, Greens and Labor have come together in the best interests of the community,” he said.
In conclusion, Ruddock thanked his fellow councillors, the staff of Hornsby Shire Council, and the community, for the opportunity to be mayor. “It has been an honour.”
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