Terry Griffiths (politician)
Terence Allan "Terry" Griffiths (22 June 1944 – 18 June 2009) was a former Australian army officer and New South Wales state politician. He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly representing the Georges River from 1988 to 1995 initially for the Liberal Party and then as an independent member. He held a number of ministerial portfolios from 1991 to 1994 including Minister for Justice, Minister for Police and Minister for Emergency Services. In 1994, Griffiths was forced to resign from both the ministry and the Liberal Party over claims of sexual harassment.
Terry Griffiths | |
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Member of the New South Wales Parliament for Georges River | |
In office 22 February 1988 – 3 March 1995 | |
Preceded by | Frank Walker |
Succeeded by | Marie Ficarra |
Personal details | |
Born | [1] Sydney | 22 June 1944
Died | 18 June 2009 64) [1] | (aged
Nationality | Australian |
Political party | Liberal Party (1988-1994) Independent (1994-1995) |
Spouse(s) | Jann Mariette Hart m. 1965, diss. Diane von Westernhagen m. 1974, diss. 2000 |
Children | 1 (f), 1 (s) with Hart; 1 (f), 2 (s) with von Westernhagen |
Occupation | Army officer |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | Australian Army |
Years of service | 1962–1982 |
Rank | Major |
Early years and background
Griffiths was born in Marrickville, New South Wales; his father was Richard Patrick Griffiths, an army officer of the Cadet School Portsea. He was educated at Liverpool Boys High School. In 1962 he was trained at the Officer Cadet School, Portsea and the School of Military Engineering and was commissioned as an army officer. In 1965 he married Jann Mariette Hart, with whom he had two children. He served in South Vietnam 1969–70. He and Jann divorced and, on 19 January 1974, he married Diane Maree von Westernhagen with whom he had three children. Griffiths was an army attache in Washington 1978–81. After reaching the rank of Major, he left the army in 1982. From 1983 to 1988 he was employed as the chief executive officer of The Scout Association of Australia's NSW branch. During his time as chief executive officer of The Scout Association of Australia New South Wales Branch, serial sexual abuse by NSW scout leaders, including Commissioner and Branch Councillor Darryl Rubiolo, took place.[2][3]
Griffiths joined the Liberal Party of Australia in 1987. With his election to the NSW legislature, he resigned as chief executive officer of The Scout Association of Australia New South Wales Branch and was appointed to its Council. Following the failure of his political career on claims of sexual harassment, molestation and bullying of staff, he and his second wife divorced in 2000. He was also dropped from The Scout Association of Australia New South Wales Branch Council.[4]
Political career
In 1988, Griffiths was elected as the Liberal member for Georges River in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, defeating sitting Labor MP Frank Walker. He was re-elected easily in 1991 and became Minister for Justice, moving to the Police Ministry in 1992.[1] In 1994, he was forced to resign from both the ministry and the Liberal Party over claims of sexual harassment.[5] He retired at the 1995 election.[6]
Honours and awards
![]() | Australian Active Service Medal 1945–1975 | |
![]() | Vietnam Medal | |
![]() | Defence Force Service Medal with 1 Rosette | for 20–24 years of service |
![]() | National Medal | for 15–24 years of service |
![]() | Australian Defence Medal | 2006 |
References
- "The Hon. Terence Allan Griffiths (1944–2009)". Former Members of the Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
- "Darryl Rubiolo". Aussie Sex Offenders. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
- "Child sex assault accused appears in court". St George & Sutherland Shire Leader. 19 February 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
- The Scout Association of Australia New South Wales Branch. Annual Report 1994 & Annual Report 1995.
- "Oatley: NSW State election". Crikey. 2011. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
- Green, Antony. "Elections for Georges River". New South Wales Election Results 1856-2007. Parliament of New South Wales. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
New South Wales Legislative Assembly | ||
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Preceded by Frank Walker |
Member for Georges River 1988–1995 |
Succeeded by Marie Ficarra |