Entsch vows to continue to fight for our rights

Liberal MP Warren Entsch gave his final speech to Federal Parliament on Monday saying he would continue to fight for same-sex equality after he retires at the coming election.
Before he leaves, Entsch hopes to have equality reforms to Commonwealth superannuation, veterans’ benefits, Medicare safety net, and aged care assets tests as “non-negotiable” items on the Liberal platform.
“I am a little disappointed I have not been able to achieve as much as I would have liked, but I will keep working on that,” Entsch said.
The straight-talking former crocodile farmer from north Queensland told Parliament he made no apologies for demanding more than his party was offering to the gay and lesbian community.
“I wish I could have done more in that area,” he said. “This is not a morals issue; it is a social justice issue – and it is one that I will continue to push. Hopefully we will get some changes on that in the not too distant future.”
Last year Entsch drafted a private member’s bill to investigate Government portfolios for discrimination and establish an independent review body.
He was also critical of Prime Minister John Howard when promised superannuation reforms failed to appear in the Federal Budget.
Lobbyists who worked with Entsch to pressure the Government on equality reforms said he was “dogged” in pursuing the issue.
“Warren has been a tremendous support, and he tells you exactly what’s going on,” ComSuper Action Committee spokesman John Challis said.
“Malcolm Turnbull has got to acknowledge cabinet confidentiality, but Entsch was not restricted by that. He was a source of information we won’t have in the future.
“But I think he made a basic mistake in not proceeding with his private member’s bill. It would have had a tremendous symbolic effect.”
Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby spokesman Ghassan Kassisieh said Entsch was effective in changing minds behind the scene.
Entsch said he was retiring to spend more time with his 13-year-old son.