Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC to retire from Parliament
April 11, 2021
Christian Democratic Party Founder, the Reverend Honourable Fred Nile
MLC today announced that after 40 years in the NSW Parliament, he will
retire this November from the Legislative Council.
Rev Nile has recommended to the CDP’s State Board, and it has
unanimously agreed, that Lyle Shelton, former Managing Director of the
Australian Christian Lobby, will be his successor subject to the agreement
of the CDP’s State Council.
“It has been the privilege of my life to represent Christ’s values in the NSW
Parliament on behalf of the Citizens of this great State.
“I am delighted to be recommending Lyle Shelton as my successor and I
am confident this news will be received with great enthusiasm by our
Members. “The need for unashamedly Christian voices in public life has only
increased in recent years and I can think of no one better than Mr Shelton
to carry this forward,” Rev Nile said.
Mr Shelton said: “I am honoured that Rev Nile and the CDP State Board
have recommended that I succeed him in the NSW Parliament and lead
the party into the future. I look forward to seeking the support of the
party’s State Council. There has never been a greater need for Christian
ethics and principles in our parliaments.”
Rev Nile was elected to the NSW Legislative Council in 1981 and is the
longest serving current sitting member of the Parliament.
He has been a constant champion for the natural family, human rights for
the unborn, religious freedom, the dignity of women, measures to combat
binge drinking, drug rehabilitation services, gambling advertising reform
and much more.
Rev Nile achieved many legislative successes, notably his Tobacco
Advertising Prohibition Act which banned remaining forms of tobacco
advertising in NSW.
His Smoking Regulation Act which banned smoking in motor vehicles was
also passed. His vote secured the first Aboriginal land rights legislation passed more
than 30 years ago, something the Indigenous people of NSW remember
with gratitude.
Another significant achievement was the Parliament’s support of Rev Nile’s
motion condemning the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocide.
Rev Nile leaves a formidable legacy and Mr Shelton said he was looking
forward to the challenge, along with the Party’s Members and Supporters,
of continuing this legacy into the future.
Rev Nile will remain active in the Party as Immediate Past President,
Honorary Chairman of the Board and Editor and Chief of the Party
Newspaper, Family World News and email Newsletter Salt and Light
Rev Nile will continue his support for the many organisations including,
NSW Aboriginal Land Council; Australian Christian Nation Association
(ACNA) The Christian World View (CWV); The Australian Army Reserve
(in which Rev Nile served); St. George 45th Regiment and The 30th
Scottish Association; Australian Monarchist League (AML), Australians for
Constitutional Monarchy (ACM); The Jewish National Fund (JNF)
Australian Jewish Association (AJA); NSW Jewish Board of Deputies ;
Family Life International and Australian Christian Lobby (ACL)
Rev Nile’s long-standing support will continue with the many ethnic
organisations including The Armenians, the Coptic Christians, the
Assyrians, the Macedonians and the Greeks. Additionally, Rev Nile will
continue his support with his many Charities including St Vincent Hospital
and Cancer Council and SMS Lighthouse.
For further information contact CDP State Director – Annie Wright
Phone – 9633 3255 / 0417 271 820
Email: [email protected]
Yours faithfully,
Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC
CDP Federal President & CDP MLC
