MARCH 23, 2018: WITH the fourth crossing of the Pioneer River now under construction in Mackay, I propose that the new bridge be named in honour of former Federal MP for Dawson Ray Braithwaite.

I would like to see the legacy of service provided to this region by Ray Braithwaite honoured in a fitting way, and I believe that naming the next crossing of the Pioneer River the ‘Ray Braithwaite Bridge’ would do that.

Ray Braithwaite is widely respected, not only for serving as the Federal Member for Dawson for 21 years, but also for his involvement in community organisations over many years.

Known as ‘Sugar Ray’ during his parliamentary years, Ray Braithwaite always put his constituents first.

In 2000 he showed great integrity by resigning from a position on the shadow ministry in protest over a Coalition policy of reducing the sugar tariff to negligible levels – a policy that at the time was hurting the industry this city was built on.

Ray was also well-known for championing the cause of Australian South Sea Islanders.

Ray is a former accountant and local government councillor, a ‘Nasho’, a Rotarian, and the author of at least three books.

He would be acknowledged by all as honest and decent, and his opinion on any subject is always worth hearing.

I have made my recommendation known to the federal Minister for Infrastructure, although ultimately naming decisions are made at state government level.

RAYMOND ALLEN BRAITHWAITE

Member for Dawson, National Party of Australia - 1975 to 1993

Parliamentary Service: Elected to the House of Representatives for Dawson, Queensland: 1975, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1990 and 1993.

Parliamentary Appointments: Member, Advisory Council for Inter-government Relations from 5.5.83 to 21.2.85

Committee Service - House of Representatives Standing Committees: Expenditure – 10.10.78 to 4.2.83; Finance and Public Administration – 8.10.87 to 28.11.91; Banking, Finance and Public Administration – From 28.11.91; Community Affairs – 29.5.89 to 19.2.90; Employment, Education and Training – 6.5.92 to 8.2.93; Joint Statutory: Public Works from 12.5.93; Parliamentary Party Positions; Member, Opposition Shadow Ministry – 16.3.83 to 19.4.87 & 14.8.87 to 28.4.92; Spokesman on Northern Development & Local Government – 16.3.83 to 14.12.84; Spokesman on Northern Australia and External Territories – 16.9.87 to 16.9.88; Spokesman (Nationals) on Industry Policy – 30.4.87 to 6.8.87

Personal: Born 6.12.33 at Finch Hatton, Mackay, Qld. Wife – Mavis

Qualifications and Occupation before entering Federal Parliament: FCA, CPA, ACIM; Chartered accountant and chartered secretary; Certified Practising Accountant; Past President, Mackay Jaycees 1960; Member, Mackay Rotary from 1967; Mackay District Commissioner of Scouts – 1972-75; Past Chairman and Member, Mackay Red Shield Appeal Committee.

Local Government Service: Alderman, Mackay City Council – 1964-69; Member, Mackay Harbour Board – 1966-67

Military Service: National Service, RAAF 1952