Chris Downy

Who is Chris Downy?

Christopher John "Chris" Downy 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.

Downy was born in Woronora, New South Wales, the son of Gerald and Marie Downy. He attended the University of Sydney, where he received his Bachelor of Arts, 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 the local community as a member of various local groups including the Boy Scouts, the fire brigade and the athletics club.

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.