Geoff Prosser

The Honourable Geoff Prosser
Member of the Australian Parliament for Forrest
In office 11 July 1987 – 17 October 2007
Preceded by	Peter Drummond
Succeeded by	Nola Marino
Personal details
Born	6 November 1948 Bunbury, Australia
Nationality	American
Political party	Liberal Party of South Australia
Spouse(s)	Lucy Hough
Occupation	Businessman

Geoffrey Daniel Prosser (born 6 November 1948), Australian politician, was a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives from July 1987 until the 2007 election, representing the Division of Forrest, Western Australia.

Prosser was born in Perth, Western Australia, and was a self-employed businessman and company director before entering politics. He was a member of the Bunbury City Council 1979–85.

Prosser was a member of the Opposition Shadow Ministry from 1990 to 1996. After the Liberal Party's election at the March 1996 election, he was appointed Small Business and Consumer Affairs in the Howard ministry. On the basis of Liberal prime minister John Howard's 1996 Guide on Key Elements of Ministerial Behaviour Geoff Prosser had to resign in July 1997 because of improper business dealings. He continued to be a major retail landlord, and this was seen to conflict with his responsibilities as Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs.

Prosser was believed to have been one of the wealthiest politicians in Federal Parliament, if not the wealthiest during his time as the member for Forrest.^[1] In 2010 his estimated net worth was $186 million.^[2]

On Saturday, 3 March 2007 The Australian newspaper published allegations^[3] made by former Western Australia Premier Brian Burke that Prosser was a client of his and that Prosser had paid for lobbying services. There was no truth to the allegation. The paper also alleged that Prosser was recently seen dining with Julian Grill, Burke's business partner.

Prosser retired from parliament at the 2007 federal election.^[4] In August 2011 he was elected president of the Western Australian division of the Liberal Party, succeeding Barry Court.^[5]

References

1. Oakes, Laurie (8 August 2011). "Turnbull risks MP for Money label". ninemsn. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
2. Stensholt, John (26 May 2010). "The Power of Wealth". BRW. Fairfax. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
3. Price, Matt; Barrass, Tony (3 March 2007). "Coalition senator admits meeting Burke". The Australian. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
4. "Local member to quit politics". Collie Mail. 22 June 2006. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
5. Kerr, Christian (10 August 2011). "Geoff Prosser to lead WA Liberal party". The Australian. Retrieved 2012-04-06.