Ivan Petch

Who is Ivan Petch?

Ivan John Petch is an Australian politician.

Born in Concord, New South Wales, Petch attended Putney Primary School and Fort Street Boys High School before receiving his tertiary education in electrical engineering and music at Sydney Technical College. He held various positions, including professional musician, electrical engineering consultant, company managing director, and a licensed electrical contractor. He joined the Liberal Party in 1975.

In 1977, Petch was elected to Ryde Municipal Council; he continued to hold this position until 1987, and from 1980–87 also sat on Sydney County Council, of which he was chairman 1984–85. From 1984–87 he was an executive member of the Local Government Association. He was active in the Ryde local area as Chairman of the Ryde Red Cross Calling Appeal 1978–84, President of the Ryde Lions Club 1985–86, and honorary member of the North Ryde Rotary Club and received a Paul Harris Fellow award. He was also appointed a Knight of the Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem.

In 1988, Petch was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly as the Liberal member for Gladesville. He held the seat until 1995, when he was defeated by Labor candidate and future Deputy Premier John Watkins. He contested the 1999 and 2007 state elections as an independent candidate for Ryde, but was defeated.