Alan Griffiths

Alan Gordon Griffiths (born 4 September 1952), Australian politician, was an ALP member of the Australian House of Representatives from March 1983 to January 1996, representing the Division of Maribyrnong in Victoria.

Born in Melbourne, Alan Griffiths graduated from Monash University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws. [ [http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/mosaic/MOS_AUG96/itn.html In the news and on the move] , Monash University, August 1996.]

Entering the parliament in 1983, Griffiths was made Minister for Resources in 1990, Minister for Tourism in 1991 and Minister for Industry, Technology and Regional Development in 1993.

In 1994, Griffiths was forced to resign as Minister for Industry, Technology and Regional Development after the "Sandwich Shop Affair" came to light. It was alleged that ALP funds, resources and staff wages from Griffiths' electoral office were used to bail out his business party from a failed sandwich shop venture in Melbourne's Moonee Ponds. [ [http://www.abc.net.au/elections/federal/2004/guide/mari.htm Maribyrnong Electorate Profile] , "Australia Votes 2004" (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), 8 November 2004.]

An inquiry into the scandal cleared Griffiths of any criminal wrongdoing, although it was stated that his conduct was improper. [Hamer, David: [http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/pubs/hamer/chap04.htm Can Responsible Government Survive In Australia?] , Australian Senate, 2001.]

He retired from politics and the parliament on 29 January 1996, about a month before the ALP lost government in the 1996 federal election.

References

Persondata
NAME=Griffiths, Alan
ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Griffiths, Alan Gordon
SHORT DESCRIPTION=Australian politician
DATE OF BIRTH=4 September 1952
PLACE OF BIRTH=Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
DATE OF DEATH=Living
PLACE OF DEATH=