Arthur Gietzelt

Who was Arthur Gietzelt?

Arthur Thomas Gietzelt, AO (born 28 December 1920) is a former Australian politician and minister.

Gietzelt was educated at Hurstville High School. He served in the armed forces in New Guinea during World War II from 1941 to 1945.

Gietzelt served 15 years (1956-1971) in local government as a councillor of Sutherland Shire Council, with 9 years as Shire President or mayor. He was elected as a Senator for New South Wales at the 1970 Senate election. He was appointed Minister for Veterans' Affairs in March 1983 in the first Hawke Ministry and held that position until July 1987. He was a joint Father of the Senate from 1987 until his departure from parliament. He resigned from the Senate in February 1989.

Gietzelt was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1992 for "service to the Australian Parliament and to local government".