I've learnt my lesson: Victorian MP

MP Kelvin Thomson was promoted to Parliamentary Secretary for Trade. Source: Herald Sun

VICTORIAN MP Kelvin Thomson is on the rise again, almost six years after quitting Labor's frontbench over a reference he wrote for drug kingpin Tony Mokbel.

PM Julia Gillard promoted Mr Thomson to Parliamentary Secretary for Trade.

In 2007, Mr Thomson quit as shadow attorney-general after it was revealed that in 2000 he had supported a liquor licence application made by Mokbel.

When he stood down, Mr Thomson said he had not met Mokbel before writing the reference and was unaware of the gangster's criminal record in 2000.

Mr Thomson said he had learnt his lesson.

"I made a mistake and I am a lot older and wiser now," he said.

The hard-working MP, who has played an active role in the policy debate over live animal exports and other trade matters, said he was "very appreciative" of the job given to him by the PM.

"Trade has long been important to Australia's prosperity. I am very honoured to have the opportunity to serve the people of Australia in this role."

The 57-year-old said the areas of manufacturing and Australian exports would feature heavily in his new role.

He has previously served as a member of a federal parliamentary committee handling foreign affairs and trade inquiries.

Labor sources said Mr Thomson was in line for promotion last year, after the reshuffle caused by the arrival of Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr, but that never eventuated.

It is understood the MP, whose electorate takes in suburbs including Coburg and Brunswick, was contacted by the PM yesterday morning about the trade position, shortly before she made the announcement.

He called for mandatory stunning of animals before slaughter, after horrific footage of animal cruelty was aired.

The outspoken MP also said there were "serious questions" to be answered about the trade of live animals.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

I've learnt my lesson: Victorian MP

Dengan url

http://andiplinplan.blogspot.com/2013/02/ive-learnt-my-lesson-victorian-mp.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

I've learnt my lesson: Victorian MP

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

I've learnt my lesson: Victorian MP

sebagai sumbernya