Australia: Energy Minister Pays Tribute to His Predecessor

Australia’s Resources and Energy Minister Gary Gray yesterday paid tribute to his predecessor Martin Ferguson, saying he was a “giant” of the resources industry.

“The fact that Australia is at the forefront of global LNG development and is currently enjoying all of the benefits of the resources era bears testament to Martin Ferguson’s ministerial achievements,” Gray said.

“I have to say, coming into this job, I find myself following in the shadow of two giants: Martin and his predecessor Ian Macfarlane.

“Martin’s achievements may never be replicated and should never be forgotten by generations of Australians to come.

“He led the next wave of energy market reforms in the best interests of consumers and as tourism minister was instrumental in bringing about Tourism 2020, a vision shared by industry, the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and which aims to increase the overnight visitor spend to between $115 billion and $140 billion by 2020.”

Gray was commenting on the announcement today by Ferguson that he would retire at the next election on September 14.