Chris Downy

For the American writer and producer, see Chris Downey.

Christopher John Downy (born 29 March 1955) is a former Australian politician. He was the Liberal Party member for Sutherland in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1988 to 1997, and Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing from 1993 to 1995.

Chris Downy MP
Member of the New South Wales Parliament for Sutherland
In office 19 March 1988 – 2 December 1997
Preceded by	New seat
Succeeded by	Lorna Stone
Personal details
Born	(1955-03-29) March 29, 1955 (age 70) New South Wales, Australia
Political party	Liberal Party of Australia
Spouse	Joanne
Children	4

Biograpgt

Downy was born on 29 March 1955, the eldest son of Gerald and Marie Downy. He was educated at Saint Patrick’s Christian Brothers College Sutherland. He attended the University of Sydney, where he received his Bachelor of Arts (Hons), and Sydney Teachers College, where he received a Diploma of Education. He was subsequently a secondary school teacher. He joined the Liberal Party in 1974 and was active in local politics.^[1]

In 1980, Downy was the Liberal candidate for the safe federal Labor seat of Hughes; he was unsuccessful. Downy was elected to Sutherland Shire Council in 1983, and in 1988 was selected as the Liberal candidate for the state seat of Sutherland. The seat replaced the abolished Woronora, and was contested by that seat's Labor member Maurie Keane, but Downy narrowly defeated him to win the seat.^[2]

Downy was appointed Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing in 1993, but lost that position when Labor won office in 1995.^[1] He resigned his seat in 1997, prompting a by-election that was won by Liberal candidate Lorna Stone.^[3]

In 2012, Downy was elected state president of the NSW Liberal Party, succeeding Arthur Sinodinos.^[4]