Geoff Prosser

Geoffrey Daniel Prosser (born 6 November 1948) is an Australian businessman and former politician. He served in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007, representing the Liberal Party, and was Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs in the Howard Government from 1996 to 1997.

The Honourable Geoff Prosser
Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs
In office 11 March 1996 – 11 July 1997
Prime Minister	John Howard
Preceded by	Chris Schacht (Small Business) Jeannette McHugh (Consumer Affairs)
Succeeded by	Peter Reith (Small Business) Chris Ellison (Consumer Affairs)
Member of the Australian Parliament for Forrest
In office 11 July 1987 – 17 October 2007
Preceded by	Peter Drummond
Succeeded by	Nola Marino
Personal details
Born	6 November 1948 Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia
Nationality	Australia
Political party	Liberal Party of Australia
Spouse(s)	Lucy Hough
Occupation	Businessman

Early life

Prosser was born in Bunbury, Western Australia,[1] and was a self-employed businessman and company director before entering politics. He was a member of the Bunbury City Council 1979–85.

Federal Parliament

Prosser was a member of the Opposition Shadow Ministry from 1990 to 1996. After the Liberal Party's election at the March 1996 election, he was appointed Small Business and Consumer Affairs in the Howard ministry.[1]

On the basis of Liberal prime minister John Howard's 1996 Guide on Key Elements of Ministerial Behaviour, Prosser was forced to return to the backbench July 1997 because of improper business dealings. He continued to be a major retail landlord, and this was seen to conflict with his responsibilities as Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs.[2]

Prosser was believed to have been one of the wealthiest members of the House, if not the wealthiest, during his time as the member for Forrest.[3] In 2010 his estimated net worth was $186 million.[4]

On Saturday, 3 March 2007 The Australian newspaper published allegations[5] made by former Western Australia Premier Brian Burke that Prosser was a client of his and that Prosser had paid for lobbying services.[6] The paper also alleged that Prosser was recently seen dining with Julian Grill, Burke's business partner.

Prosser retired from parliament at the 2007 federal election.[7]

Later activities

In August 2011 he was elected president of the Western Australian division of the Liberal Party, succeeding Barry Court.[8]

References

1. "Hon Geoffrey Prosser MP". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
2. Van Onselen, Peter; Errington, Wayne (2008). John Winston Howard: The Definitive Biography. Melbourne Univ. Publishing. pp. 265–266. ISBN 9780522855227.
3. Oakes, Laurie (8 August 2011). "Turnbull risks MP for Money label". ninemsn. Archived from the original on 10 April 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
4. Stensholt, John (26 May 2010). "The Power of Wealth". BRW. Fairfax. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
5. Price, Matt; Barrass, Tony (3 March 2007). "Coalition senator admits meeting Burke". The Australian. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
6. Barrass, Tony (7 May 2007). "Burke link to millionaire Lib MP". The Australian. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
7. "Local member to quit politics". Collie Mail. 22 June 2006. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 6 April 2012.
8. Kerr, Christian (10 August 2011). "Geoff Prosser to lead WA Liberal party". The Australian. Retrieved 6 April 2012.