Ken Smith (politician)

] Kenneth Maurice Smith (born 30 December 1944) is an Australian politician who is currently the member for Bass in the Victorian Legislative Assembly.

Smith was a plumber before he entered Parliament in 1988, winning the Legislative Council seat of South-Eastern Province for the Liberal Party. During his time in the council, Smith served on the backbench, although after being returned at the 1996 election he served as government Whip. When the Kennett government lost power in 1999, Smith continued on as Opposition whip.

The redistribution prior to the 2002 election abolished his upper house province, and Smith decided to contest the new seat Lower House seat of Bass, and challenge independent candidate Susan Davies. While the election was a disaster for the Liberal Party, Smith provided them with their only gain, winning the seat after Davies was unable to finish ahead of the Labor candidate and win on their preferences.

Smith is currently serving as Shadow Minister for Gaming and Shadow Minister for Fisheries.

In 2008 Smith put forward a Private Member's Bill that would allow for euthanasia in Victoria, similar to the Oregon model in the United States, which sharply divided the community. The bill was voted down in the Legislative Council.

[ [http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/euthanasia-bill-to-bar-death-tourists/2008/03/17/1205602291237.html Euthanasia bill to bar 'death tourists' - National - theage.com.au ] ]

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