The Hon Andrew Gee MP

The Hon. Andrew Gee MP: Class of 1986 Currently: Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Federal Member for Calare

Former student and Federal MP Andrew Gee is playing a key role in deciding national issues in his new role as a member of Federal Cabinet. Mr Gee joined Cabinet last year when he was promoted to the role of Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel in July last year.

The former Newcastle Grammar School Captain, who graduated in 1986, told Spectemur Agendo that his new portfolio was a great responsibility, but also a great opportunity to help veterans and those serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

“It’s a great honour to be able to make a difference in these portfolios,” he said.

“The men and women who join the ADF don’t do it for the glory. They don’t do it for the money. They do it out of a desire to serve our nation, and we should all be thankful that they make so many sacrifices on our behalf. So it’s an honour to be able to support them, both when they are in uniform and as veterans.”

Mr Gee credits his NGS history teacher Patricia Forsythe (now Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand) with first sparking his interest in politics – however it wasn’t his initial career choice.

After finishing school he studied Economics and Law 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 since held for the National Party.

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.”