Ministry and Shadow Ministry
Cobb was elected to the House of Representatives from the Division of Parkes, a safe National Party seat, at the 2001 federal election.
In July 2005 Cobb was appointed to the Ministry as Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, but soon after was reshuffled to the Community Services portfolio. His time in the portfolio was rocky. In March 2006 he was criticised for being one of six 'prominent Coalition MPs' who did not disclose their shares in AWB Limited.
In October 2006 Cobb sparked controversy after reportedly stating at a meeting of disability service advocates that he would "get rid of" a child who had a disability. Mr Cobb denied the accusations. Prime Minister John Howard backed his minister at the time, however Cobb lost the portfolio in a reshuffle three months later. He then became Assistant Minister for Water Resources.
John Cobb moved to the neighbouring seat of Calare at the 2007 election after the popular independent member Peter Andren retired. The Liberal-National Party Coalition lost the election, however Cobb won the seat of Calare. He was chosen by new Opposition leader Brendan Nelson to be a member of the shadow ministry, as the spokesperson on Regional Development and Water Security.
He was re-elected at the 2010 election and in September 2010 was appointed Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Security by Opposition leader, Tony Abbott.
Read more about this topic: John Cobb (Australian Politician)
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