Member for Upper Hunter
Shadow Minister for Hospitality & Tourism, Racing & Major Events

George Souris was first elected to Parliament in 1988 as the member for Upper Hunter and has been a long time member and supporter of the National Party, having been involved with the Party for many years.

George was born in 1949 in Gunnedah in NSW and was educated at the Armidale School and the University of New England. George is a Qualified Public Accountant, Company Auditor and Taxation Consultant and formerly a partner in the accounting practice of Hudson, Souris and Co. at Singleton.

Prior to entering Parliament, George Sourishas held several esteemed positions within the community, including past Vice-Chairman of New South Wales Public Accounts Committee and a former appointee to Council of University of Newcastle as New South Wales Parliament’s representative.

George began his political career as a former Shire Councilor of Singleton Shire Council for seven years which included his position as Deputy President for four years. His other community commitments have included being a member of Rotary and past President of various community organisations including Pre-School Committee and Red Shield Appeal.

George also has a keen interest in sport as he also a University Sports Blue in Rugby and has represented the Gordon Club, New South Wales Country, Australian Universities and the Australian Colts rugby teams.  George is also a past member of Sydney University Regiment.

During his time at Parliament, George Souris has held a wide range of significant portfolios and positions, including his elected position of Deputy Leader of the National Party in 1993 and Leader of the National Party in1999.  Portfolios have included Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing and Minister Assisting the Premier, Minister for Finance and Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Minister for Land and Water Conservation, Shadow Minister for Public Works & Roads, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs and Services and Shadow Minister for Gaming, Shadow Minister for State Development and Shadow Minister for Gaming & Racing following, and Shadow Minister for Gaming & Racing, Sport & Recreation & Major Events.

George Souris currently holds the position of Shadow Minister for Hospitality & Tourism, Racing and Major Events, as well as the Treasurer of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association which he has appointed in August 2009.

George is first and foremost a committed family man, married to Vassy and have two sons.  

About the Upper Hunter electorate

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Located in the Hunter and Northern Slopes region, the Upper Hunter Electorate covers 30,287 sq km and has a predicted elector quota of 48,368 voters at the 2007 Election.

Major towns include Aberdeen, Clarence Town, Denman, Dungog, Gloucester, Gresford, Gulgong, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Quirindi, Scone, Singleton and Stroud.

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