Ex-mayor gets life on an island

By Rebecca Fraser
FORMER Casey mayor Neil Lucas has been appointed the new administrator of the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Governor General Michael Jeffery officially inducted Mr Lucas to the position last Thursday during a ceremony at Government House in Canberra.
Mr Lucas, who will be the representative of Queen Elizabeth and the Australian Commonwealth, takes up his appointment on 30 January, 2006.
The Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd, announced the new role and said that while the appointment was at the Governor-General’s pleasure, it was expected that Mr Lucas would fill the role for an initial term of two years.
He said Mr Lucas’ career in public life had equipped him with the skills necessary to fulfil this role and he was confident that he would make a valuable contribution to the Territory communities.
Mr Lloyd said Mr Lucas also had considerable experience in local and state government, public administration and governance.
“He has held prominent roles as parliamentary secretary to the leader of the Upper House in the Victorian Parliament and consultant to the Victorian ministers for local government and planning,” he said.
“Mr Lucas has substantial experience in public policy, planning and development as well as in governance and accountability through his leadership and membership of various Parliamentary committees, which includes chair of the Joint Parliamentary Economic Development Committee and chair of the inquiry into annual reporting in the Victorian public sector. In recognition of his significant contributions over the years, Mr Lucas was awarded the Public Service Medal in 1995 for outstanding public service to local government.”
Mr Lucas said he was looking forward to the challenge and starting his new role.
He said he had been sworn in twice by the Governor-General to represent the two island territories he would cover and his role would encompass a wide range of official and administrative duties.
Mr Lucas said he had never considered taking up an appointment like this until he was approached with the opportunity.
He said his family and wife, Margaret, were just as excited as he was.
Mr Lucas conceded that, after moving to Christmas Island, he would miss one key thing about the mainland — going to watch the football.
His role will involve travel to Canberra and Perth where he will be involved in both federal and West Australian legislation.