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To mark the Philip Ruddock MP 39th Anniversary of the election to Parliament,NSW Premier Hon. Barry O’Farrell was Special Guest of Philip Ruddock’s Garden Party
(Coverage by: Syed Zafar Hussain,Editor-in-Chief Sada-e-Watan Sydney)

Philip Maxwell Ruddock was born in Canberra on 12 March 1943.He is son of Max Ruddock, who was a Liberal member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.Mr. Philip Ruddock was educated at Barker College in the Sydney suburb of Hornsby before entering University of Sydney, after which he practiced as a solicitor.

Mr.Philip Ruddock is an Australian politician who is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the Division of Berowra, New South Wales, for the Liberal Party of Australia. First elected in a 1973 by-election, he is the only Member of Parliament from the period of the Whitlam government (1972–75) and the Fraser government (1975–83) still serving. He has been the Father of the House of Representatives since 1998. He is currently the third longest-serving Member of the House of Representatives, and the third longest-serving parliamentarian, in the history of the Australian Parliament. During the Howard Government (1996–2007), Ruddock served continuously in the Coalition Ministry, taking on various portfolios, most notably those of Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs from 1996 until 2003, and Attorney-General from 2003 until 2007.

On Saturday, 22 September 2012, a unique and magnificent venue, brilliant weather and an immense crowd combined to ensure that Garden Party to Celebrates the 39th anniversary of Hon.Philip Ruddock’s election to the Federal Parliament was an outstanding success. More than 600 guests gathered in the magnificent gardens of ‘Dunrath’ the historic West Pennant Hills property on Castle Hill Road Sydney. Everyone enjoy the occasion.

Representatives from many ethnic groups and associations mingled with identities such as John Alexander MP, Alex Hawke MP, former MP Alan Cadman, The NSW Attorney General Greg Smith MP, The President of NSW Legislative Council Hon. Donald Harwin MLC, former NSW AG Hon John Dowd, well-known entertainer Kamahl. Business people, many friends and associates of the Ruddock family & NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities The Hon. Victor Dominello MP. Members of a variety of ethnic groups who had dealt with Mr Ruddock when he held Ministerial responsibility for Immigration and Multicultural affairs attended to pay their respects. Sri Lanka, Lebanon, India,Pakistan and China were particularly well-represented.

NSW Premier Honourable Barry O’Farrell MP was Special Guest.NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell MP spoke warmly of the contribution Philip Ruddock has made to Australian political life.Relishing the scope of his audience, Mr Ruddock spoke of his journey from gaining endorsement as the candidate for Parramatta in 1973, to now being the Father of the House, the longest serving Member in the current Parliament.He thanked those who have made the journey with him, particularly his wife Heather and daughters Kirsty and Caitlin who were in attendance with their husbands and children.

In his address, Philip Ruddock made special mention of his wife of 41 years, Heather, who had been a supportive and involved spouse, always ready to give him her opinion on current issues, and always prepared to deal with the difficulties his political role had brought to their lives, particularly the lengthy absences when their girls were young.

Politically, Hon.Philip Ruddock appreciates Honourable Barry O’Farrell and said that I hope Barry O’Farrell will do a great job for the people of NSW and he will made a historical record as a long serving Premier of New South Wales. Talking about the Federal political situation, Mr Philip Ruddock said

Mrs.Barry O’Farrell  Rosemary Cowan,NSW Premier Honourable Barry O’Farrell MP & Mrs.Nafisa Zafar Hussain

‘With Tony Abbott bringing his strong leadership style to a Coalition brimming with policy initiatives and energy, I am delighted to be part of this team and continue to look forward to contributing to the return of a Liberal Federal Government.’

NSW Premier Honourable Barry O’Farrell MP

Hon.Philip Ruddock MP

Mr. John Gatfield,MC of the Garden Party

Ms Felicity Findlay