The Hon Andrew Gee MP

Federal MP, Hon Andrew Gee, is a passionate politician, dedicated to securing education, fostering job creation, driving economic growth, and ensuring essential infrastructure development for his electorate of Calare (which includes Bathurst, Orange Mudgee and Lithgow in NSW). He has held positions such as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Minster for Decentralisation and Regional Education and Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment. Andrew currently sits as an independent in the Australian Parliament.

The former NGS Captain, who graduated in 1986, credits his NGS history teacher Patricia Forsythe (formerly Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, and now Chancellor of University of Newcastle), with first sparking his interest in politics – however it wasn’t his initial career choice. After finishing school, he studied Economics and Law at the University of Sydney and then set up a business in Hong Kong with his brothers, before returning to Australia to practice as a barrister in Sydney.

He moved to Orange in Central West NSW with his family in 2005, where he joined the local branch of the National Party – the starting point for his political career. When the State Member for Orange retired, Mr Gee was pre-selected to stand for the National Party in the seat, winning it in 2011. He moved to Federal politics in 2016, winning the Seat of Calare, which he has held since. Mr Gee said pursuing a political career was often about being in “the right place, at the right time”.

“If anyone is interested in politics, my advice would be to get involved at a grassroots level. All political organisations are crying out for younger members. You might be surprised where it takes you!” He urged all NGS students to follow their passions when choosing a career. “I think it’s really important that in your working life you love what you do as much as possible. I think that people who are passionate about what they do are much more likely to be successful.” Mr Gee also encouraged students not to listen to “the doubters”. “Don’t be afraid to seize opportunities as they come up. Life can take some unexpected twists and turns but don’t be afraid of taking them and seeing where they go as well.”