Bill McGrath

William Desmond McGrath (3 December 1936 – 22 August 2018) was an Australian politician who was a member of National Party. He was also a professional Australian rules footballer.

Bill McGrath
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly
for Lowan
In office
5 May 1979  2 October 1992
Preceded byJim McCabe
Succeeded byDistrict abolished
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly
for Wimmera
In office
3 October 1992  17 September 1999
Preceded byDistrict created
Succeeded byHugh Delahunty
Personal details
Born
William Desmond McGrath

(1936-12-03)3 December 1936
Minyip, Victoria, Australia
Died22 August 2018(2018-08-22) (aged 81)
NationalityAustralian
Political partyNational Party
OccupationFarmer

McGrath played in the Victorian Football League with South Melbourne, under captain-coach Ron Clegg. He played 15 out of a possible 18 games in the 1959 home and away season. He also kicked 18 goals, including five in a win over Richmond at Punt Road, with team-mate Bob Skilton matching his tally. At the end of the year he returned to his family farm in Minyip but would continue to play and later coach in the Wimmera Football League.

In the 1979 state election, McGrath became the member for Lowan in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, and then the member for Wimmera in 1992, following a redistribution. In his fourth term he was appointed Shadow Minister for Agriculture, and after being re-elected in 1992 for a fifth time, he became the Minister for Agriculture. He served in that position until 1996, when he was named Minister for Corrections and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, retaining those portfolios until his retirement in 1999. He was replaced in his seat by Hugh Delahunty, another former VFL player.

McGrath died 22 August 2018 aged 81.[1]

References

  1. "Tributes flow for former Victorian Nationals minister Bill McGrath". Weekly Times. News Limited. Australian Associated Press. 23 August 2018. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
Victorian Legislative Assembly
Preceded by
Jim McCabe
Member for Lowan
1979–1992
District abolished
District created Member for Wimmera
1992–1999
Succeeded by
Hugh Delahunty
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