Peter Wellington

Peter Wellington (born 21 August 1957 [ [http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/legislativeAssembly/documents/memberBio/WellingtonPeter.htm Parliament of Queensland Bio - Peter Wellington] , retrieved 24 November 2007] ) is an Independent member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly, for the Electoral district of Nicklin. Wellington, along with fellow independent Liz Cunningham, briefly held the balance in power following the 1998 state election. Wellington's decision to back the Labor party led to Peter Beattie being anointed state premier. [ [http://www.pollbludger.com/qld2006/nicklin.htm The Poll Bludger - Nicklin] , retrieved 24 November 2007]

Before Parliament

Wellington grew up on his family's farm at Belli Park. Before entering parliament, Wellington was a police officer, and a solicitor. [ [http://www.suncoast.com.au/SVNews/01-02-06/p5a.html Profile of Nicklin Candidates - Peter Wellington] , retrieved 24 November 2007] His first success in politics was when he was elected to a seat on the Maroochy Shire council [" [http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2007/jul/29/cant-stop-peter/ Can't Stop Peter] ", "Sunshine Coast Daily", 29 July 2007] .

Parliamentary career

Wellington's defeat of the incumbent National Party candidate Neil Turner in the closely contested 1998 election reflected the instability in Queensland politics at the time. Nationals Premier Rob Borbidge could theoretically have formed government with the backing of Wellington, Gladstone indepedent Liz Cunningham, and the eleven elected members of the One Nation Party. After some deliberation however, Wellington chose to back the Australian Labor Party on matters of supply and confidence, although he would withdraw that support in the event of "any evidence of gross fraud, misappropriation or illegal activities." [ [http://www.aph.gov.au/Library/Pubs/cib/1998-99/99cib02.htm 1998 Queensland Election] , "Parliament of Australia, Parliamentary Library", retrieved 24 November 2007] As a result, state ALP leader Peter Beattie was able to form a minority government.

Wellington held the balance of power for only a few months, until One Nation MP Charles Rappolt resigned from Parliament. ALP candidate Warren Pitt won the resulting by-election, and the ALP was able to form government in its own right. [ [http://www.abc.net.au/news/features/1998/qld.htm ABC - 1998 in Review] , "Australian Broadcasting Corporation", retrieved 24 November 2007]

Despite the loss of the balance of power, Wellington remains popular in his electorate. At the 2006 state election, he was able to easily see off National Party challenger Steve Morrison in order to secure a fourth term. [" [http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20384564-5007190,00.html I won't be back] ", "The Courier-Mail", 9 September 2006]

Wellington made headlines again in 2001 when he was severely injured in a farming accident which crushed both of his legs. He suffered a broken collarbone, pelvis, as well as head and leg injuries, and it was at first feared that he would lose one or both of his legs. However, he pulled through without the need for any amputation, and rejoined parliament a couple of months after the accident. [ [http://www.abc.net.au/pm/stories/s353906.htm Wellington set to return to parliament after accident] , PM, "Australian Broadcasting Corporation", 28 August 2001]

Wellington currently serves on both the Estimates Committee and the Scrutiny of Legislation Committee within Parliament.

References