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| Biography for Luke Hartsuyker, MP |
Luke Hartsuyker was elected the Federal Member for Cowper at the 2001 election, following the retirement of Garry Nehl.
Luke was born and educated in Muswellbrook and gained a Bachelor of Commerce at Newcastle University. Following his graduation, he pursued a professional career in real estate and institutional property investment and development. He is a member of CPA Australia.
Prior to becoming the Federal Member for Cowper, Luke managed his family’s tourism business – The Clog Barn – in Coffs Harbour.
Among the local issues Luke has tackled since being elected is transport. He has campaigned strongly on the Pacific Highway and welcomes the multi-billion dollar commitment which will see the dual carriageway upgrade fast-tracked over the next six years.
He has pressed hard for better services and care for the large proportion of elderly residents of the constituency, resulting in an extra $10m in annual Federal funding for aged care places, taking the annual total to $50m. He also helped secure more nurse training places at Southern Cross University.
In the House of Representatives, he is Chair of the Standing Committee on Education and Vocational Training and also sits on the Standing Committees on Privileges and Procedure.
On his re-election to the Parliament in 2007, Luke was made the Shadow Minister for Business Development, Independent Contractors and Consumer Affairs. He is also Deputy Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives.
Luke was awarded a Mayoral Commendation for rescues performed during the 1996 Coffs Harbour floods. He is a patron of 11 local organisations, including the Royal Blind Society in Coffs Harbour, the North Coast Cricket Council and the Maclean and Coffs Harbour historical societies.
Luke is married to Irene and they have two sons, Ben and Paul. He is a keen surfer and motorcyclist.
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