Jump to content

Nick Bolkus: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
KasparBot (talk | contribs)
1,549,811 edits
→Other issues: Syntax. Not true that there was "... defamation in the District Court of South Australia." It is more likely that the defamation was in the newspaper!
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 30 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Australian politician}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
⚫
{{Infobox officeholder
{{advert|date=February 2015}}
⚫
{{Infobox MP
| honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
| honorific-prefix = [[The Honourable]]
| name = Nick Bolkus
| name = Nick Bolkus
| honorific-suffix =
| honorific-suffix =
| image =
| image = Nick Bolkus.jpg
| caption = Bolkus in 1993
| title = [[Australian Senate|Senator]] for South Australia
| title = [[Australian Senate|Senator]] for South Australia
| term_start = 1 July 1981
| term_start = 1 July 1981
Line 28: Line 29:
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Nick Bolkus''' (born 17 July 1950) is a former [[Australian Labor Party]] politician. He was a member of the [[Australian Senate|Senate]] from July 1981 to 2005, representing the state of South Australia.
'''Nick Bolkus''' (born 17 July 1950)<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=RecordSearch {{!}} National Archives of Australia |url=https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/PersonDetail.aspx?reg_no=CP%20505 |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=recordsearch.naa.gov.au}}</ref> is a former [[Australian Labor Party]] politician. He was a member of the [[Australian Senate|Senate]] from July 1981 to June 2005, representing the state of South Australia.


==Early career==
==Early career==
He was born in [[Adelaide]] and was educated at the [[University of Adelaide]]. He was very briefly a lawyer in 1974 and 1975. He moved into political advising and became a research officer for a number of [[Australian Labor Party]] (ALP) members including [[Clyde Cameron]]. He unsuccessfully ran for the State seat of Adelaide in 1976 and for the Senate 1977.{{Citation needed|date=July 2007}} <!-- for example Federal or State? there was no Federal election in 1976--> He entered politics as a Senator for South Australia following the [[Australian federal election, 1980]].<ref>[http://www.aph.gov.au/library/handbook/41stparl/biographical-supplement.htm Parliamentary Handbook – Supplement to biographical information in 29th edition on former Senators and Members of the 40th Parliament]</ref>
Bolkus was born in [[Adelaide]] and educated at [[Adelaide High School]] and the [[University of Adelaide]]. He was a lawyer in 1974 and 1975 before moving into political advising as a research officer for a number of [[Australian Labor Party]] (ALP) members including [[Clyde Cameron]]. He unsuccessfully ran for the district of [[Electoral district of Torrens|Torrens]] at the [[1975 South Australian state election|1975 state election]] and for the Senate at the [[1977 Australian federal election|1977 federal election]]. He entered politics as a Senator for South Australia following the [[1980 Australian federal election]].<ref>[http://www.aph.gov.au/library/handbook/41stparl/biographical-supplement.htm Parliamentary Handbook – Supplement to biographical information in 29th edition on former Senators and Members of the 40th Parliament]</ref>


==Parliamentary career==
==Parliamentary career==


Bolkus stayed on the back bench for his first seven years in Parliament. Bolkus was eventually promoted to the outer Ministry as Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer for Prices (1988–90). Bolkus became a Cabinet Minister for five years, as Minister for Administrative Services (1990–93) (a Ministry which was later relegated out of Cabinet), and then [[Minister for Immigration and Citizenship (Australia)|Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs]] and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs (1993–96).
Bolkus was appointed to the outer Ministry as Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer for Prices (1988–90).<ref name=":0" /> Bolkus was appointed as Minister for Administrative Services (1990–93) (a Ministry which was later relegated out of Cabinet), and then [[Minister for Immigration and Citizenship (Australia)|Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs]] and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs (1993–96).<ref name=":0" />


After the end of the [[Paul Keating|Keating]] Government (due to its [[Australian federal election, 1996|election defeat in 1996]]), Bolkus was a member of the Opposition Shadow Ministry from March 1996 to November 2001. He remained on the back bench for the final four years of his career in Parliament.
After the end of the [[Paul Keating|Keating]] Government (due to its [[1996 Australian federal election|election defeat in 1996]]), Bolkus was Shadow Attorney-General and Minister for Justice from March 1996 to November 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0}}</ref>


===Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Assisting for Prices 1988–90===
===Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Assisting for Prices 1988–90===


Bolkus was first elected to the Federal Ministry in February 1988 as Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer for Prices.<ref>http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0</ref>
Bolkus was first elected to the Federal Ministry in February 1988 as Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer for Prices.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0 |title = ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick}}</ref> In this portfolio he introduced world leading legislation to protect the privacy of individuals in their relationships with credit data agencies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Consumer Credit Reporting – Australian Privacy Foundation |url=https://privacy.org.au/campaigns/consumer-credit-reporting/ |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=privacy.org.au}}</ref> He also introduced the Banking Ombudsman, streamlining National Uniform Food Laws, introducing a series of Codes of Conduct protecting consumers, and initiating enquiries into the pricing practices of the computer software,<ref>{{Cite web |date=1991-02-25 |title=IN BRIEF |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/in-brief-19910225-k4934 |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref> music and book industries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australia Libraries Copyright Committee |url=https://alacc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/mp/files/posts/files/sub252.pdf}}</ref>
In this portfolio he introduced world leading legislation to protect the privacy of individuals in their relationships with credit data agencies. He was also responsible for introducing the Banking Ombudsman, streamlining National Uniform Food Laws, introducing a series of Codes of Conduct protecting consumers, and initiating enquiries into the pricing practices of the computer software, music and book industries.


===Minister for Administrative Services 1990–93===
===Minister for Administrative Services 1990–93===


Bolkus was appointed to Cabinet in 1990 as Minister for Administrative Services, a portfolio which he held until the 1993 election.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0 |title = ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick}}</ref> In this portfolio he introduced comprehensive legislation for the disclosure of political donations.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Warhurst |first=John |date=1998-10-01 |title=Locating the Target: Regulating Lobbying in Australia |url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&issn=00312290&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA53489822&sid=googleScholar&linkaccess=abs |journal=Parliamentary Affairs |language=English |volume=51 |issue=4 |pages=538–539|doi=10.1093/pa/51.4.538 }}</ref> He transitioned the Department to a commercialized, corporatized and competitive body.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ParlInfo - Public sector urged to give local firms a fair go |url=https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22media/pressrel/HPR08022088b%22 |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au}}</ref> Bolkus used the extensive reach of a department n such areas as Commonwealth property ownership, construction, purchasing and the Australian Electoral Commission, to pursue the government's environmental and industry policy agenda, particularly in the Information Technology area.
Bolkus was appointed to Cabinet in 1990 as Minister for Administrative Services, a portfolio which he held until the 1993 election.<ref>http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0</ref>
In this portfolio he introduced comprehensive legislation for the disclosure of political donations. He was also responsible for the transition of the Department to a commercialised, corporatised and competitive body. Bolkus drove a structural reform agenda which radically reformed the supply of services to Government. The Agenda commercialised much of the Government’s construction and supply facilities. It was managed without a day lost to industrial action. At the same time, he used the extensive reach of a department which had responsibility in such areas as Commonwealth property ownership, construction, purchasing and the Australian Electoral Commission, to pursue the government’s environmental and industry policy agenda, particularly in the Information Technology area.


===Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs 1993–96===
===Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs 1993–96===


In 1993 Bolkus was appointed Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs.<ref>http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0</ref> He held these portfolios until the 1996 election. In these positions, Bolkus drove a reform agenda which aimed at making both the Department's and Government’s immigration, refugee and multicultural policies more relevant to Australia's social, economic and humanitarian needs. Most importantly, he drove a major restructure of the Department.
In 1993, Bolkus was appointed Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0 |title = ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick}}</ref> He held these portfolios until the 1996 election. In these positions, Bolkus tried making both the Department's and Government's immigration, refugee and multicultural policies more relevant to Australia's social, economic and humanitarian needs.


Bolkus tried restructured both the Department and policy, including:
Major reforms were implemented in Australia’s economic migration infrastructure.
* rewriting Australia's Migration laws<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australian Migration Bill - Migration News {{!}} Migration Dialogue |url=https://migration.ucdavis.edu/mn/more.php?id=628 |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=migration.ucdavis.edu}}</ref>

⚫
* recognition of the importance of temporary business entry through initiatives such as the APEC card "invisible visa" entry for Tourism, and the Business "life of passport" visa<ref>{{Cite web |title=Federal Law Review |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=ac23de49-da46-4ecb-b6dc-74fa00b2bf03&subId=350950}}</ref>
The achievements of this 3-year period include a radical restructure of both the Department and policy, including:
* fundamental restructuring of the business migration program<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizvi |first=Abul |date=2022-09-07 |title=Migration changes an extraordinary reversal of Dutton's policies |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/migration-changes-an-extraordinary-reversal-of-dutton-s-policies-20220907-p5bfzx.html |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
* rewriting Australia's Migration laws
* the first review of the Australian Citizenship Act since its 1948 introduction<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Patmore |first1=Glenn |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3OfjBgAAQBAJ&dq=nick+bolkus+Ties+that+Bind%3A+A+4-year+plan+for+Australian+citizenship&pg=PA139 |title=Law and Democracy: Contemporary Questions |last2=Rubenstein |first2=Kim |date=2014-12-24 |publisher=ANU Press |isbn=978-1-925022-06-3 |language=en}}</ref>
⚫
* recognition of the importance of temporary business entry through initiatives such as the APEC card "invisible visa" entry for Tourism, and the Business "life of passport" visa
* the establishment of the Refugee Review Tribunal<ref>{{Cite web |title=Australia Parliament House |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/~/media/wopapub/senate/committee/minmig_ctte/submissions/sub24_doc.ashx}}</ref>
* fundamental restructuring of the business migration program
* the first review of the Australian Citizenship Act since its 1948 introduction
* the establishment of the Refugee Review Tribunal
* the revision of Australia's Oath and Allegiance by removing reference to the Queen
* the revision of Australia's Oath and Allegiance by removing reference to the Queen
* the introduction of a major Citizenship Promotion program
* the introduction of a major Citizenship Promotion program
* increase in the annual migration and refugee programs
* increase in the annual migration and refugee programs

Bolkus has been an advocate of a non-discriminatory migration program and multiculturalism. These issues were among his main reasons for joining the Australian Labor Party in 1966. In Government, Senator Bolkus significantly progressed Australia’s "Productive Diversity" policies which encourage awareness and deployment of the economic benefits of Australia’s multicultural society.

===Shadow Attorney-General and Minister for Justice===

Nick Bolkus was the Shadow Attorney-General and Minister for Justice from 1996 to the 1998 Federal election.<ref>http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0</ref>
He played a leading role in issues such as Constitutional change towards an Australian Republic, and access to Justice. He also carried the debate for the Opposition on the Wik Native Title legislation, the longest Committee debate in the Senate’s history.

===Shadow Minister for the Environment and Heritage===

Bolkus was appointed to this portfolio after the 1998 election.<ref>http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0</ref> He came to it after years of Ministerial involvement in environmental issues, including as Minister for Administrative Services, and through the establishment of an Environmental Futures team with the task of "Greening" the Government’s construction, energy use and purchasing policies. As Shadow Minister he formulated policies to address Australia's major environmental challenges, including water, salinity and greenhouse gas emissions and carbon trading.


===Parliamentary committee experience===
===Parliamentary committee experience===


Bolkus has served on and Chaired a number of Parliamentary Committees in the areas of Legal and Constitutional Affairs,Foreign Affairs, Industrial Relations, Corporation Legislation, Indigenous Affairs, and Human Rights<ref>http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0</ref>
Bolkus has served on and Chaired a number of Parliamentary Committees in the areas of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Industrial Relations, Corporation Legislation, Indigenous Affairs, and Human Rights<ref>{{cite web |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0 |title = ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick}}</ref> He was Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0 |title = ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick}}</ref> He represented the Australian Parliament at the 1983 and 1984 Constitutional Conventions and at the 41st General Assembly of the United Nations in 1986.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://research.un.org/en/docs/ga/quick/regular/41|title = Research Guides: General Assembly - Quick Links: 41st Session (1986-1987)}}</ref>
He was Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs.<ref>http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2Fxe4%22;querytype=;rec=0</ref>
He represented the Australian Parliament at the 1983 and 1984 Constitutional Conventions and at the 41st General Assembly of the United Nations in 1986.<ref>http://research.un.org/en/docs/ga/quick/regular/41</ref>


==Other issues==
==Other issues==
In 2003, Bolkus was accused and personally attacked by Workplace Relations Minister [[Tony Abbott]] for failing to declare donations made by Dante Tan. Tan was not found guilty of any criminal offence in either the Philippines or Australia.<ref>[[AM (ABC Radio)|AM]]: [http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2003/s887594.htm Failure to declare donation an honest mistake: Nick Bolkus], [[ABC Local Radio]], 25 June 2003.</ref> Abbott accused Bolkus of having breached the legal requirements of accepting a [[Political donations in Australia|political donation]].<ref>Riley, Mark: [http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/23/1056220542368.html Now Labor under fire over funds given on the quiet], ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 24 June 2003.</ref> Abbott also accused Bolkus of money laundering,<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/24/1056220595612.html AFP may investigate Senator Bolkus], ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 24 June 2003.</ref> however it became clear that the matter was in fact not a breach of any regulations regarding political donations.
In 2003, Bolkus was accused and personally attacked by Workplace Relations Minister [[Tony Abbott]] for failing to declare donations made by Dante Tan. Tan was not found guilty of any criminal offence in either the Philippines or Australia.<ref>[[AM (ABC Radio)|AM]]: [http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2003/s887594.htm Failure to declare donation an honest mistake: Nick Bolkus], [[ABC Local Radio]], 25 June 2003.</ref> Abbott accused Bolkus of having breached the legal requirements of accepting a [[Political donations in Australia|political donation]].<ref>Riley, Mark: [http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/23/1056220542368.html Now Labor under fire over funds given on the quiet], ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 24 June 2003.</ref> Abbott also accused Bolkus of money laundering,<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/24/1056220595612.html AFP may investigate Senator Bolkus], ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', 24 June 2003.</ref> however it became clear that the matter was in fact not a breach of any regulations regarding political donations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=corporateName=Australian Electoral Commission; address=10 Mort Street |first=Canberra ACT 2600; contact=13 23 26 |title=Possible donation ALP SA and Mr Nick Bolkus (2001) |url=https://www.aec.gov.au/parties_and_representatives/compliance/AEC_Advice/nick.htm |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=Australian Electoral Commission |language=en-AU}}</ref> Bolkus successfully sued Nationwide News in the [[District Court of South Australia]] for defamation in ''Bolkus v Nationwide News''.<ref>{{cite AustLII|SADC|138|2005|litigants=Bolkus vs Nationwide News |courtname=auto}}.</ref>


==Post-Parliamentary Career==
{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} Bolkus successfully sued Nationwide News for defamation in the [[District Court of South Australia]] in the ''Bolkus v Nationwide News'' case.<ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au//cgi-bin/disp.pl/au/cases/sa/SADC/2005/138.html?query=bolkus Bolkus vs Nationwide News], Australasia Legal Information Institute.</ref>


==Current positions==
=== Lobbying ===
Until 2015, Bolkus was a partner at Bespoke Approach, a corporate advisory firm.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bespokeapproach.com/en/what.aspx |title=What we do - Bespoke Approach |access-date=10 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205095102/http://www.bespokeapproach.com/en/what.aspx |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Bespoke Approach is now owned by corporate and political advisor Ian Smith and former Senior Vice-President at [[News Corporation (1980–2013)|News Corporation]] [[Andrew Butcher]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bespokeapproach.com/en/what.aspx |title=What we do - Bespoke Approach |access-date=10 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205095102/http://www.bespokeapproach.com/en/what.aspx |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Bolkus also offers political lobbying services under the names Kazaru and Nick Bolkus. Clients represented to the SA Parliament and SA government since 2016 include: [[SA Power Networks]], Daycorp, D and R DeRuvo and sons, Fyfe, SSE Australia, [[Bedford Group]], [[Walker Corporation]], Lincoln Lakes Development Company, Kelaray Pty Ltd, Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers Ltd, [[Hagen Stehr|The Stehr Group]], Tri-star Petroleum, Celsus/SA Health Partnership, Karadeniz Holdings, The Belgrave Group, RH & DJ Bichard Superfund.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dpc.sa.gov.au/what-we-do/services-for-business-and-the-community/lobbying-government/lobbyist-register|title=Register of Lobbyists|last=Cabinet|first=Department of the Premier and|date=2003-01-01|website=www.dpc.sa.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2018-05-11|archive-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511150331/http://www.dpc.sa.gov.au/what-we-do/services-for-business-and-the-community/lobbying-government/lobbyist-register|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Bolkus is currently a partner at [[Bespoke Approach]], a corporate advisory firm.<ref>http://www.bespokeapproach.com/en/what.aspx</ref> A unique bipartisan partnership of four political and business leaders, Bespoke Approach is owned by former Foreign Minister [[Alexander Downer]], Bolkus, corporate and political advisor Ian Smith and former Senior Vice-President at [[News Limited]] [[Andrew Butcher]].<ref>http://www.bespokeapproach.com/en/what.aspx</ref> Downer is now [[List of High Commissioners of Australia to the United Kingdom|Australia's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom]], while Smith, Downer and Bolkus are active in the business.


=== Directorships and advisory positions ===
Nick Bolkus is the Chairman of Directors of Nuturf Australia Pty Ltd,<ref>[http://nuturf.com.au/</ref> and Envirogreen Pty Ltd.]<ref>[http://envirogreenaustralia.com.au/home/]</ref> and Director of Wondertreat Aust Pty Ltd.and Ecofertiliser Pty Ltd.<ref>[http://www.ecogrowth.com.au/About%20us.html]</ref>
Nick Bolkus is the Chairman of Directors of Nuturf Australia Pty Ltd,<ref>[http://nuturf.com.au/ Nuturf] Retrieved 24 June 2024</ref> and Envirogreen Pty Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://envirogreenaustralia.com.au/home/ |title=Envirogreen Australia &#124; A Natural Business |access-date=10 February 2015 |archive-date=10 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210100509/http://envirogreenaustralia.com.au/home/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Director of Wondertreat Aust Pty Ltd.and Ecofertiliser Pty Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ecogrowth.com.au/About%20us.html |title=Eco-Growth - History |access-date=10 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210101842/http://www.ecogrowth.com.au/About%20us.html |archive-date=10 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


He is Adviser to the Australian Hokkien Association.<ref>[http://www.chrisbowen.net/media-centre/media-releases.do?newsId=6236]</ref>
He is Adviser to the Australian Hokkien Association.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.chrisbowen.net/media-centre/media-releases.do?newsId=6236 |title=GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF NEW CHINESE MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE - Media Releases - Chris Bowen - Federal Member for McMahon - |access-date=10 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210100817/http://www.chrisbowen.net/media-centre/media-releases.do?newsId=6236 |archive-date=10 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


He is also currently a Director of the industry based Australian Fisheries Academy.<ref>http://afa.edu.au/</ref>
He is also currently a Director of the industry based Australian Fisheries Academy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://afa.edu.au/ |title = Home Page {{!}} amfa}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 107: Line 93:


{{First Keating Ministry}}
{{First Keating Ministry}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Bolkus, Nick}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bolkus, Nick}}
Line 112: Line 99:
[[Category:Australian people of Greek descent]]
[[Category:Australian people of Greek descent]]
[[Category:Australian Labor Party members of the Parliament of Australia]]
[[Category:Australian Labor Party members of the Parliament of Australia]]
[[Category:Delegates to the 1998 Australian Constitutional Convention]]
[[Category:Delegates to the Australian Constitutional Convention 1998]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian politicians]]
[[Category:Members of the Cabinet of Australia]]
[[Category:Members of the Cabinet of Australia]]
[[Category:Members of the Australian Senate]]
[[Category:Members of the Australian Senate]]
[[Category:Members of the Australian Senate for South Australia]]
[[Category:Members of the Australian Senate for South Australia]]
[[Category:University of Adelaide Law School alumni]]
[[Category:Adelaide Law School alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Australian lobbyists]]
[[Category:Australian lobbyists]]
[[Category:Labor Left politicians]]
[[Category:Labor Left politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian politicians]]
[[Category:Politicians from Adelaide]]
[[Category:People educated at Adelaide High School]]

Latest revision as of 12:53, 24 June 2024

The Honourable
Nick Bolkus
Bolkus in 1993
Senator for South Australia
In office
1 July 1981 – 30 June 2005
Personal details
Born (1950-07-17) 17 July 1950 (age 74)
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Political partyLabor
SpouseMary Patetsos
RelationsMarried
ChildrenThree
Residence(s)Henley Beach, South Australia
Alma materUniversity of Adelaide
OccupationLawyer

Nick Bolkus (born 17 July 1950)[1] is a former Australian Labor Party politician. He was a member of the Senate from July 1981 to June 2005, representing the state of South Australia.

Early career

[edit]

Bolkus was born in Adelaide and educated at Adelaide High School and the University of Adelaide. He was a lawyer in 1974 and 1975 before moving into political advising as a research officer for a number of Australian Labor Party (ALP) members including Clyde Cameron. He unsuccessfully ran for the district of Torrens at the 1975 state election and for the Senate at the 1977 federal election. He entered politics as a Senator for South Australia following the 1980 Australian federal election.[2]

Parliamentary career

[edit]

Bolkus was appointed to the outer Ministry as Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer for Prices (1988–90).[1] Bolkus was appointed as Minister for Administrative Services (1990–93) (a Ministry which was later relegated out of Cabinet), and then Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs (1993–96).[1]

After the end of the Keating Government (due to its election defeat in 1996), Bolkus was Shadow Attorney-General and Minister for Justice from March 1996 to November 2001.[3]

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Assisting for Prices 1988–90

[edit]

Bolkus was first elected to the Federal Ministry in February 1988 as Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister Assisting the Treasurer for Prices.[4] In this portfolio he introduced world leading legislation to protect the privacy of individuals in their relationships with credit data agencies.[5] He also introduced the Banking Ombudsman, streamlining National Uniform Food Laws, introducing a series of Codes of Conduct protecting consumers, and initiating enquiries into the pricing practices of the computer software,[6] music and book industries.[7]

Minister for Administrative Services 1990–93

[edit]

Bolkus was appointed to Cabinet in 1990 as Minister for Administrative Services, a portfolio which he held until the 1993 election.[8] In this portfolio he introduced comprehensive legislation for the disclosure of political donations.[9] He transitioned the Department to a commercialized, corporatized and competitive body.[10] Bolkus used the extensive reach of a department n such areas as Commonwealth property ownership, construction, purchasing and the Australian Electoral Commission, to pursue the government's environmental and industry policy agenda, particularly in the Information Technology area.

Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs 1993–96

[edit]

In 1993, Bolkus was appointed Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Multicultural Affairs.[11] He held these portfolios until the 1996 election. In these positions, Bolkus tried making both the Department's and Government's immigration, refugee and multicultural policies more relevant to Australia's social, economic and humanitarian needs.

Bolkus tried restructured both the Department and policy, including:

  • rewriting Australia's Migration laws[12]
  • recognition of the importance of temporary business entry through initiatives such as the APEC card "invisible visa" entry for Tourism, and the Business "life of passport" visa[13]
  • fundamental restructuring of the business migration program[14]
  • the first review of the Australian Citizenship Act since its 1948 introduction[15]
  • the establishment of the Refugee Review Tribunal[16]
  • the revision of Australia's Oath and Allegiance by removing reference to the Queen
  • the introduction of a major Citizenship Promotion program
  • increase in the annual migration and refugee programs

Parliamentary committee experience

[edit]

Bolkus has served on and Chaired a number of Parliamentary Committees in the areas of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Industrial Relations, Corporation Legislation, Indigenous Affairs, and Human Rights[17] He was Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs.[18] He represented the Australian Parliament at the 1983 and 1984 Constitutional Conventions and at the 41st General Assembly of the United Nations in 1986.[19]

Other issues

[edit]

In 2003, Bolkus was accused and personally attacked by Workplace Relations Minister Tony Abbott for failing to declare donations made by Dante Tan. Tan was not found guilty of any criminal offence in either the Philippines or Australia.[20] Abbott accused Bolkus of having breached the legal requirements of accepting a political donation.[21] Abbott also accused Bolkus of money laundering,[22] however it became clear that the matter was in fact not a breach of any regulations regarding political donations.[23] Bolkus successfully sued Nationwide News in the District Court of South Australia for defamation in Bolkus v Nationwide News.[24]

Post-Parliamentary Career

[edit]

Lobbying

[edit]

Until 2015, Bolkus was a partner at Bespoke Approach, a corporate advisory firm.[25] Bespoke Approach is now owned by corporate and political advisor Ian Smith and former Senior Vice-President at News Corporation Andrew Butcher.[26]

Bolkus also offers political lobbying services under the names Kazaru and Nick Bolkus. Clients represented to the SA Parliament and SA government since 2016 include: SA Power Networks, Daycorp, D and R DeRuvo and sons, Fyfe, SSE Australia, Bedford Group, Walker Corporation, Lincoln Lakes Development Company, Kelaray Pty Ltd, Kangaroo Island Plantation Timbers Ltd, The Stehr Group, Tri-star Petroleum, Celsus/SA Health Partnership, Karadeniz Holdings, The Belgrave Group, RH & DJ Bichard Superfund.[27]

Directorships and advisory positions

[edit]

Nick Bolkus is the Chairman of Directors of Nuturf Australia Pty Ltd,[28] and Envirogreen Pty Ltd.[29] and Director of Wondertreat Aust Pty Ltd.and Ecofertiliser Pty Ltd.[30]

He is Adviser to the Australian Hokkien Association.[31]

He is also currently a Director of the industry based Australian Fisheries Academy.[32]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "RecordSearch | National Archives of Australia". recordsearch.naa.gov.au. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  2. ^ Parliamentary Handbook – Supplement to biographical information in 29th edition on former Senators and Members of the 40th Parliament
  3. ^ "ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick".
  4. ^ "ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick".
  5. ^ "Consumer Credit Reporting – Australian Privacy Foundation". privacy.org.au. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  6. ^ "IN BRIEF". Australian Financial Review. 25 February 1991. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  7. ^ "Australia Libraries Copyright Committee" (PDF).
  8. ^ "ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick".
  9. ^ Warhurst, John (1 October 1998). "Locating the Target: Regulating Lobbying in Australia". Parliamentary Affairs. 51 (4): 538–539. doi:10.1093/pa/51.4.538.
  10. ^ "ParlInfo - Public sector urged to give local firms a fair go". parlinfo.aph.gov.au. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  11. ^ "ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick".
  12. ^ "Australian Migration Bill - Migration News | Migration Dialogue". migration.ucdavis.edu. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  13. ^ "Federal Law Review".
  14. ^ Rizvi, Abul (7 September 2022). "Migration changes an extraordinary reversal of Dutton's policies". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  15. ^ Patmore, Glenn; Rubenstein, Kim (24 December 2014). Law and Democracy: Contemporary Questions. ANU Press. ISBN 978-1-925022-06-3.
  16. ^ "Australia Parliament House".
  17. ^ "ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick".
  18. ^ "ParlInfo - Biography for BOLKUS, the Hon. Nick".
  19. ^ "Research Guides: General Assembly - Quick Links: 41st Session (1986-1987)".
  20. ^ AM: Failure to declare donation an honest mistake: Nick Bolkus, ABC Local Radio, 25 June 2003.
  21. ^ Riley, Mark: Now Labor under fire over funds given on the quiet, The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 June 2003.
  22. ^ AFP may investigate Senator Bolkus, The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 June 2003.
  23. ^ corporateName=Australian Electoral Commission; address=10 Mort Street, Canberra ACT 2600; contact=13 23 26. "Possible donation ALP SA and Mr Nick Bolkus (2001)". Australian Electoral Commission. Retrieved 30 September 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. ^ Bolkus vs Nationwide News [2005] SADC 138, District Court (SA, Australia).
  25. ^ "What we do - Bespoke Approach". Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  26. ^ "What we do - Bespoke Approach". Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  27. ^ Cabinet, Department of the Premier and (1 January 2003). "Register of Lobbyists". www.dpc.sa.gov.au. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2018.
  28. ^ Nuturf Retrieved 24 June 2024
  29. ^ "Envirogreen Australia | A Natural Business". Archived from the original on 10 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  30. ^ "Eco-Growth - History". Archived from the original on 10 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  31. ^ "GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF NEW CHINESE MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE - Media Releases - Chris Bowen - Federal Member for McMahon -". Archived from the original on 10 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  32. ^ "Home Page | amfa".
Parliament of Australia
Preceded by Minister for Consumer Affairs
1988–90 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs
1993–96 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Nick_Bolkus&oldid=1230742122"