Our local Member of Parliament Michael Sutherland was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1954, and lived there until he immigrated to Australia in 1987. Michael grew up in a family that encouraged hard work, reading and education and an interest in sporting clubs, community groups and politics.

Michael had a varied upbringing, associating and mixing with people of many diverse nationalities, religions and backgrounds. After leaving the local government high school where he was head boy, Michael was enrolled in national service with the South African Army, and then proceeded to complete a Bachelor of Arts at the Witwatersrand University, where he majored in history and international relations. Michael then commenced teaching for more than five years. While teaching, he studied as an external student at the University of South Africa and obtained a teacher’s diploma and law degree, and was admitted as a solicitor in South Africa.

It was Michael’s dislike of the apartheid system in South Africa that led him to become involved in politics. He was active in the United Party, the then main parliamentary opposition to the ruling National Party, from the early 1970s. In 1982 he was elected to the Johannesburg City Council as a member of the Progressive Federal Party, which by then had become the main parliamentary opposition party. Michael served on the Johannesburg City Council until he came to Australia.

As a result of incessant political turmoil, unrest and uncertainty in South Africa, Michael decided to immigrate to Australia and adopt it as his new country. He arrived in 1987 with a suitcase, a tennis racquet and a squash racquet. Michael settled in Perth in 1988 and has lived here ever since. Michael first resided in Mt Lawley and soon joined the Mt Lawley Tennis Club, where he remained an active playing member and sponsor. He is a strong supporter of sports clubs and believes they hold special importance to the wellbeing of our society. For the past 19 years Michael has lived in Noranda, practicing law up until he was elected as our Member of Parliament.

In 1995 Michael was elected as a councillor to the City of Perth council and became the longest serving councillor in the City’s history. He was also elected Deputy Lord Mayor and served five years in this capacity. The city has also become a leading member of the World Energy Cities Partnership, which is a very positive thing for the state of Western Australia. Western Australia will continue to be active in creating and maintaining strong international links that will benefit both business and the community in general. Michael hopes to do his fair share as part of Colin Barnett’s team in this important activity whilst he remains a Member of Parliament representing our local community.