Richard Torbay

George Richard Torbay (born 26 March 1961) is an Australian politician. He has been an independent member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly since 1999, representing the Northern Tablelands, New South Wales. He has consistently recorded one of the highest primary vote percentages of any candidate in state elections. Richard was elected on 24 March 2007 again for the electorate for Northern Tablelands for his third term. He accepted an offer by Premier Morris Iemma to become Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, a position usually filled by a member of the governing party. [cite news
last =
first =
coauthors =
title =Iemma's surprise: an independent Speaker
publisher =The Sydney Morning Herald
date =29 March 2007
url =http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/iemmas-surprise-an-independent-speaker/2007/03/28/1174761571370.html
accessdate = 2007-09-14 ] Richard Torbay has long been accused as being a defacto Australian Labor Party MP, an accusation that he denies.

He was elected to Armidale City Council in 1991 and was a Councillor 1991–98. He was the Deputy Mayor 1992–93, and Mayor 1995–98. He also established Armidale City Council: Public Relations Committee in 1993 and Youth Council in 1993.

His involvement in local government also extended to being Chairman New England Local Government Group 1997–98; Chairman NSW Country Mayor's Association. 1997–98 and Member Water Supply and Resources Committee of the Local Government and Shires Association 1996.

Richard Torbay was educated at Kingswood High School. He is married to Rosemary and has three children (Leah, Angie and Joel).

Career

UNE Union - University of New England. Armidale

* Chief Executive Officer 1992–1999
* Acting Warden 1991–1992
* Deputy Warden 1990–1991
* Commercial Services Manager
* Catering Manager 1986–1988
* Catering Supervisor 1985–1986
* House Manager 1985–1985
* Storeman 1983–1985
* Kitchenhand/2nd Cook 1980–1983

Community activity

* Member Regional Investment Task Force.
* Westpac Rescue Helicopter Hunter Region Advisory Committee, and Water Advisory Council.
* Member of NSW Country Task Force 1996,
* Member of the Council of the University of New England 1996.
* Member Catering Institute of Australia; Australian Institute of Management.
* Member of Armidale Central Rotary Club.
* Patron of Armidale District Chamber of Commerce.

References

Persondata
NAME = Torbay, Richard
ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
SHORT DESCRIPTION = Australian politician
DATE OF BIRTH = 26 March 1961
PLACE OF BIRTH =
DATE OF DEATH = Living
PLACE OF DEATH =