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NSW Head Office
9 Exeter Rd
Homebush West
NSW 2140
1300 667 975 / (02) 9011 7290
Fax:(02) 9746 6782
admin@cdp.org.au


Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC ED LTh MLC
First elected 1981


Born in Kings Cross, Sydney, 1934.
Father: Kings Cross taxi driver.
Mother: waitress.
Fred's father, of Devon, UK, migrated to Australia after serving in World War I in trenches of France. Fred's mother, Marjorie, migrated to Australia from New Zealand from Scottish Heritage. Fred has one brother, Jim, and two sisters, Marjory and Mary. Parents now deceased. Buried Christchurch, New Zealand.

Elected as Call to Australia Member to the NSW Legislative Council 1981 for 11 year term; re-elected 1991 for an 8 year term; re-elected as Christian Democratic Party Member to the NSW Legislative Council 1999 for an 8 year term.

Four Children:
Stephen: Retired NSW Senior Police Constable, Driving school instructor.
Sharon: Welfare Worker.
Mark: High School Sports Master.
David: Retired NSW Senior Police Constable (injured on duty).


  • Academic Studies

  • Military Service

  • Full-Time Employment/ Elections to Parliament

  • Australian Speaking Tours

  • Overseas Speaking and Study Tours

  • Projects

  • Government Conferences and Inquiries

  • Legislation

  • Media

  • Media features on Fred Nile

  • Affiliations and Memberships

  • Autobiography

  • Family photos


 FRED NILE - ACADEMIC STUDIES:

1940-1946
Kings Street Infants/Primary School, Mascot, Sydney.

1947-1949
Full-time Crown Street Commercial Intermediate High School and then Cleveland Street High School - Passed Intermediate Certificate.   Left school at 15 years to seek employment.

1956-1957
Victorian College of the Bible (Formerly Melbourne Bible Institute). Two year full-time course. Awarded First Class Diploma, Senior Student.

1958-1963
NSW Congregational Theological College, Melbourne College of Divinity; NSW United Faculty of Theology, University of Sydney (Adult Matriculation); University of New England, (Passed Philosophy I, History I), (Studied Education I). Awarded the L.Th. Of the Melbourne College of Divinity and the Theological Diploma of the NSW Congregational Theological College. Qualified the Examinations of the Diploma of Religious Education, Melbourne College of Divinity.

1980
Attended lectures (MA Politics), Macquarie University. Did not complete any degrees, except Theological Tertiary Course (L.Th).

 


 FRED NILE - MILITARY SERVICE:

1948
Joined 45th Inf. Bn (Machine Gun) Regimental Cadets (CMF) - promoted to Cpl, served 4 years (Hurstville NSW).

1952
Volunteered when 17 years old for full-time National Service, 13th National Service Bn., Member winning Brigade Drill Squad (Ingleburn NSW).

1953
Transferred to 45th Inf Bn. Promoted to Pl Sgt (CMF).

1955
Promoted to P1 Lt 45th Inf Bn (Qualified Lt Examinations 1954).

1956
Transferred to Melbourne University Regt (MUR) (Officer Training Unit) (Qualified Captain Examinations 1958).

1958
Promoted to Captain, Sydney University Regt (SUR).

1960-74
Transferred to 14th Inf Bde., OC HQ Coy.; Adjutant 3 RNSW Regt (Millers Pt) Advance Officer Training Corp (2 Div HQ). Qualified as Infantry Major. OC., D Coy, 4 RNSW Regt (Merrylands). Awarded Queen's Award - ED. Efficiency Decoration. Won CO's Cup for most Efficient Officer in 4 RNSW Regt. Won 4 RNSW Regt Shield for most Efficient Company (Tactics, Weapons, Drill).

1974
Transferred to Retired List Army Reserve after 22 years CMF (Army Reserve) Service.

 


 FRED NILE - FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT:

1950-55
Paul & Gray Pty Ltd., Aircraft Industry, Mascot and Bankstown Airports. Commenced as junior storeman, then junior clerk, then salesman, finally assistant to Manager.

1959-63
Student Minister Newcastle (Mayfield West) and Bexley and Brighton Le Sands Congregational Churches.

1964
Ordained as evangelical Congregational Minister at Bexley, Sydney.

1964-67
National Director, Australian Christian Endeavour Movement (Protestant Youth Leadership Training Organisation).

1967-68
Assistant Director, 1968 Billy Graham Crusade, Sydney Showgrounds (455,000 total attendance, 21,000 enquiries).

1968-69
Director, NSW Congregational Board of Evangelism.

1970-71
Director, Methodist Mission to the People of NSW (Evangelistic Newness, NSW Campaign), led by Rev Alan Walker.

1971-73
Director of Outreach and Evangelism, Sydney City Wesley Central Methodist Mission, Programme Director Vision Valley Conference Centre, Arcadia; Principal Christian Training Centre, "Jesus Commune" East Sydney; Youth Director, CMM, Personal Assistant to Rev Sir Alan Walker.

1976
Transferred to the new Uniting Church of Australia as a recognised Minister of the Word and Sacraments, without pastoral charge in an approved position. (Uniting of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches in Australia). Retired 1994 from active Parish Ministry whilst still recognised preacher.

1974-81
National Co-ordinator and NSW Director, Australian Federation of Festival of Light - Community Standards Organisation (FOL-CSO). (Campaign for purity, love and family life).

1981
Elected NSW Parliament (State Senate) with record 9.1% of the vote (248,425 primary votes with 296,854 votes including preferences) as a Christian minister in Parliament for three terms of Parliament - 11 years under Registered Federal (1984) and Registered NSW (1987) Political Party "Call to Australia [Fred Nile] Group", which was founded by Rev Fred Nile MLC in 1977. "For God and the Family".

1988
Wife, Elaine Nile, elected to Parliament for 8 year term (State Senator) with 5.7% of the vote: 172,225 primary votes and 240,676 votes including preferences.

1988
"Call to Australia Party" recognised as official Political Party in NSW Parliament with Rev Fred Nile MLC as Party Leader, also National and NSW President Call to Australia Citizens' Movement. (Note: Continued as Honorary National FOL-CSO Co-ordinator and honorary NSW Director FOL-CSO from 1981- present).

1991
Re-elected to the NSW Parliament (State Senator) NSW Legislative Council for 8 years with 3.6% of the vote: 208,000 preference votes.

1995
Elaine Nile re-elected to the NSW Parliament for a further 8 years with 3.0% of the vote: 101,556 primary (first preference) votes.

1997
"Christian Democratic Party" supercedes CTA as official Political Party in NSW Parliament with Rev Fred Nile MLC as National Leader

1999
Re-elected to the NSW Parliament (State Senator) NSW Legislative Council with 3.2% of the vote: 112,699 preference votes for 8 years.

2002
Elaine Nile retired from the NSW Legislative Council in September 2002 and Rev Dr Gordon Moyes was nominated by Fred Nile to fill the vacancy, subsequently re-elected on 22 March 2003.

2003
Resigned as a Minister of the Uniting Church in Australia (over ordination of practicing homosexuals), renewing affiliation as an ordained Minister with the evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches, which is associated with the USA Conference of Conservative Congregational Churches

2004
Resigned from the Legislative Council in August to contest a Federal Senate seat.  Received 2.61% of the vote: 103,763 primary (first preference) votes. Re-elected in October at a joint sitting of NSW Upper & Lower Houses to his still vacant Legislative Council seat, losing his former title of "Father of the House"

2007
Re-elected for another 8 year term to the Legislative Council (Senator), NSW Parliament House with 4.4% of the vote, an increase of 49% on the party's previous results in 2003.

2008
Elected by the NSW Legislative Council to serve as Assistant Deputy President. A Position changed by Parliament to Assistant President.

 


 AUSTRALIAN SPEAKING TOURS:

Addressed rallies, meetings, seminars and conferences from 1955 onwards in all States, as well as all major regional centres in NSW.

Guest Speaker at University Student debates at Sydney University, Macquarie University, University of NSW, University of Technology, University of New England, Australian National University and University of Wollongong, etc.

 


 OVERSEAS SPEAKING AND STUDY TOURS:

1966
Around the world - UK, Ireland, Germany, USA (Delegate World CE Convention, Belfast). Highlight - 21 day lecture tour West Germany.

1967
New Zealand.

1967
New Guinea. Highlight - Lecturing at Christian Leaders' Training College, Banz.

1968
Billy Graham Congress on Evangelism, Singapore.

1970
USA Canada (Delegate/Speaker World CE Convention, Waterloo, Canada).

1972
Pacific Islands, Samoa, New Hebrides (Vanuatu), Fiji.

1974
Around the World - UK, Germany, USA, (Delegate/Speaker, World CE Convention, Essen, Germany).

1985
World Study Tour: studied the HIV/AIDS epidemic, etc and drug epidemic - China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Egypt, Israel, Germany, Greece, Denmark, USSR, UK, France, Belgium, Holland, Australia, Switzerland, USA Highlights: Guest-Sabbath Services Great Synagogue of Jerusalem, Guest/Briefings US Navy HQ Pearl Harbour, Hawaii; Guest/Briefings Foreign Ministry, Jerusalem; Guest/Briefing US State Dept Washington USA; Guest/Briefings AIDS Centre for Disease Control, USA.

1987
Fiji - Addressed Pacific Conference on "God and Politics", Suva, Fiji.

1988
Fiji - Addressed First National Prayer Breakfast in Suva, Fiji, with President of Fiji.

1990-92
New Zealand- Various Parliamentary Investigations.

1992
World Study Tour: studied Christian Political Parties etc - Russian Federation, Poland, Sweden and UK. Highlights: Guest/Briefings Russian, Polish, Swedish Parliaments and House of Commons. Inspected horrors of Nazi Final Solution, murder of 6 million Jews - Concentration Camp, Auschwitz where 3 million innocent persons were murdered.

1993
Official Parliamentary Study Tour - U.S.A. - Sexual violence, youth violence, etc.

1995
Official Commonwealth Parliamentary Association World Study Tour: studied Federal/State tensions, native land rights etc -Canada, U.S.A., U.K., Europe & South Africa. Highlights were: Guest/Briefings Canadian Parliament, USA Congress/Senate; British Government - London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Provincial Parliaments - Ulundi, Johannesburg and Capetown, South Africa.

1996
Speaker New Zealand National Convention.

1997
Speaker Fijian Festival.

1997
NSW Parliamentary Law and Justice Committee Overseas Inquiry into Motor Accident Compensation - USA, UK, Canada.

1999
Speaker New Zealand National Convention.

2000
World Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Study Tour: studied drug crisis causes and solutions - USA, UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Turkey, Egypt, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.

2001
Korea - speaking tour.

2001
Korea - National Prayer Breakfast, Seoul, Busan and Masan.

2006
25th World Christian Endeavour Convention, Budapest, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, Ireland and USA

2006
Speaker - Fijian Evangelical Crusade, Suva

2006
'OK', Budapest, Hungary

2007
Speaker at 'PPP' Crusade, Seoul Korea

2008
Speaker at 40th Presidential National Prayer Breakfast, Seoul Korea. Together with Elaine, visited North Korea.

 


 PROJECTS:

Organised Australian tours by:

  • Mary Whitehouse (1973 Clean-up TV campaign, 1978);
  • Ban Child Porn campaign, 1984 Ban X-Rated Video campaign);
  • Pat Boone and Family (1974);
  • Malcolm Muggeridge (1976);
  • Svend-Age Laursen of Denmark (1971, 1981, 1985);
  • Professor E Blaiklock (1980 10 Commandments campaign);
  • Mother Teresa (1981 International Year of the Disabled);
  • Dr Ron Goodwin, Mrs Phyllis Schlafly and USA Team (Moral Majority) (1983);
  • William Murray (1992) - all States;
  • Chuck and Donna McIllheny (1994 Anti-Militant Homosexuals campaign);
  • Gianna Jessen of USA (1996 Pro-life campaign in all States).

Organised regular National Conferences, eg:

  • National Education (1981);
  • National Youth Summit (IYY) (1985);
  • "One Nation Under God" (Aboriginal Bicentennial Project) (1988).

 


 GOVERNMENT CONFERENCES AND INQUIRIES:

The Niles have participated in Federal, State, and UNESCO Conferences and Inquiries on a wide range of issues:

Television, cable TV, Videos, Drugs, Divorce Law, Family Law Act, Homosexuality, AIDS, Prostitution, Pornography, Education, Adoption Laws, Births, Deaths and Marriages, Rape and Sexual Assault, Youth Violence, Aids etc.

Also prepared Submissions on a wide range of issues such as TV, drugs, gun reform, pornography, prostitution, family law, AIDS etc.

 


 LEGISLATION:

Fred has introduced many Bills and motions into New South Wales Legislative Council, for example:

  • Family Impact Commission Bill;
  • Smoke-free Environment Amendment (Motor Vehicle Prohibition) Bill
  • Liquor Amendment (Health Warning for Pregnant Women) Bill
  • Crimes Amendment (Incitement or Promotion of Terrorism and Violence) Bill
    Public Health Amendment (Display of Tobacco Products) Bill
  • Child Protection (Nicole’s Law) Bill
  • Crimes Amendment (Age of Consent) Bill
  • Educational Support for Dyslexic Children Bill
  • Crimes Amendment (Grievous Bodily Harm) Bill
  • Abortion (Information) Bill
  • Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Prohibition Bill
  • Liquor Amendment (Drinking Age) Bill
  • Education Amendment (Random Drug Testing of Students) Bill
  • Sexual Offence Damages Bill;
  • Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Prohibition Bill 1995;
  • Unborn Child Protection Bill;
  • Smoking in Public Places Bill (Passed);
  • Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Bill (Passed);
  • Pre-Surgery (HIV/AIDS Tests) Bill;
  • Citizen's Referendum Bill;
  • Nudity (Indecent Exposure) in Public Places Prohibition Bill;
  • Education of Children Motion;
  • Crimes Prevention Bill;
  • Anti Discrimination (Heterosexual Discrimination) Amendment Bill 1994;
  • Anti Discrimination (Homosexual Vilification) Repeal Bill;
  • Pornographic Publications/Video Sale and Display (Prohibition) Bill;
  • Close Abortion Clinics Bill;
  • Select Committee on Prostitution Motion;
  • Gay Mardi Gras Prohibition Motion;
  • Compensation Innocent AIDS Victims Bill;

etc..

 


 MEDIA:

Magazines:

Fred was Editor of "Australian Christian Endeavour" (ACE) 1965-1974; "RAP" (Revolutionary Action Power) 1971-1974; "Christian Activity" 1968-1969, "Christian Solidarity 1981-1987; Editor of "Family World News" (1994-present)

Radio:

Fred was host of Radio Station 2GB Talk Back Programme from 1981 to 1985. Radio programme 2CBA from 1985 to 1988 every Sunday night.  Frequent interviews 2GB, 2UE, ABC, 2SM, etc.

TV:

Fred frequently guests on National, State and regional TV programmes.

Press:

Fred has contributed a weekly column to Sunday Telegraph from 1981-84 and guest articles.

 


 MEDIA FEATURES ON FRED NILE:

 

He had a seat - and it wasn't on a fence: The Daily Telegraph, 14th July 2004, author: David Penberthy

"[Fred Nile] deserves high praise, as he is arguably the most honest politician of his generation... the reality is that much of Nile's work has not related to moral issues, but the generally good government of the state."

Click on the pic to read the full article.

 

 

Please don't let me be misunderstood: Feature, The Illawarra Mercury, 26th February 2005, author: Bill Simpson

"In possibly one of his most intimate explanations about his morals campaigning over the past 30 years, Mr Nile says he has no doubt it was part of his Christian 'calling', just as he sees Parliament as his 'parish'."

Click on the pic to read the full article.

 

 

 

 

 

The Power of One: The Sydney Morning Herald, 5th January 2008, author: David Marr

"The people of NSW have given Nile a perch in the Legislative Council until 2015. He says he feels young and determined to carry on. "I see I have an obligation to continue to serve God and the people of this state so long as I'm making a contribution."'

Click on the pic to read the full article.

 

 

 


 AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS:

Fred Nile MLC served as a member of the NSW Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Issues 1988-1995 which investigated and reported upon:

  • NSW Adoption Laws,
  • Drug Abuse amongst Youth,
  • Compensation for Innocent (Medically Acquired) AIDS/HIV Victims,
  • Juvenile Justice,
  • Births, Deaths and Marriage Records.
  • Also conducted investigations into Rape Rates and Pornography, Youth Violence, Youth Rural Suicides in Australia, USA & NZ.

Fred served as a member of NSW Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice (1995-1999); investigations into Mandatory Life Sentences, Motor Accident Insurance, Occupational Health and Safety etc.

Rev Nile has also served on other various Parliamentary Inquiries:

  • Member of the NSW Joint Parliamentary Select Committee for Electoral Reform.
  • Member NSW Parliamentary Select Committee into Gun Laws.
  • Member of NSW Joint Parliamentary Select Committee into the Management of Parliament.
  • Member of NSW Parliamentary Select Committee into Public Holidays.
  • A Deputy Acting President, Legislative Council of NSW (1995-present)
  • Chairman, Cross City Tunnel Inquiry
  • Chairman, Lane Cove Tunnel Inquiry
  • Chairman, Royal North Shore Hospital Inquiry
  • Chairman, Public Funding and Donations Inquiry

Rev Nile is currently serving on these Parliamentary Committees:

  • Chairman, General Purpose Standing Committee No. 1
  • Chairman, Select Committee on Electoral and Political Party Funding
  • Member, Committee on the Independent Commission Against Corruption
  • Member, Committee on the Health Care Complaints Commission
  • Member, Legislative Council Procedure Committee
  • Member, Committee on Children and Young People
  • Member, Standing Committee on State Development
  • Member, Privileges Committee

Other affiliations and memberships include:

  • Member of the Board of Reference of Bill Newman Crusades; George & Rita Galieh Crusades.
  • Member of Aboriginal "One Nation Under God" Committee.
  • Life Councillor of the Australian Christian Endeavour Movement.
  • Supporter of 'The Australian Monarchist League'
  • Supporter of 'Australians for Constitutional Monarchy' (ACM)
  • Member Council of the University of Wollongong (1995-1999).
  • Vice President of the Australian Christian Endeavour Union Inc (appointed 2004).
  • Invited Guest of Israel National Day Celebrations.
  • Patron of the 'Australian Christian Nation Association'

 


Purchase through Dymocks Online or mail cheque for $25 to Fred Nile, GPO Box 141, SYDNEY  NSW  2001 (delivery within Australia only)

 FRED NILE AUTOBIOGRAPHY

In August 2001, "FRED NILE, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY" was released. It is a self-portrait of a controversial Australian that will be of interest to supporters and opponents alike.   Korean edition released in 2003.

It cuts through the stereotypes and reveals the heart and soul of the man behind all the headlines and posturing; a fascinating mix of moral crusader, humble pastor, tireless politician and compassionate human being. In his autobiography, after twenty years in Parliament, the Reverend Fred Nile describes his:

  • origins as the son of a Kings Cross taxi driver and a Kings Cross waitress
  • brief career as an SP bookie's runner
  • conversion to Christianity at the age of fifteen
  • innovative youth work among skinheads, bikies and surfies at Sydney's Wesley Central Mission
  • Controversial leadership of the Australian Festival of Light
  • Tenacious fight against the "moral darkness" he sees threatening the foundations of society
  • Confrontations with the gay rights movement
  • Unexpected election to the NSW Legislative Council in 1981, with a record first preference vote for an independent
  • 20 year career as a political survivor in the NSW parliament
  • Love-hate relationship with the media
  • Ultimate vision for Australia

Published by Strand Publishing, Narara NSW, ph 02 43284730. ISBN 1876825790, 256 pages, $19.95. 

To purchase: mail a cheque/ money order/ credit card authorisation for $25 to "Festival of Light" at PO Box 400, Enfield NSW  2136 for delivery within Australia.  Include your name and mailing address.