Peter Abetz, MLA

Chairperson

Member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly

Peter graduated with a B.Agric.Sci.(Hons) from the University of  Tasmania in 1974 and worked in the agricultural sector for 6 years, before completing a Bachelor of Divinity at the Reformed Theological College in Geelong in 1983. He was ordained a minister in the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia in 1984, serving a congregation in Dandenong (Vic) for 7 years before accepting a call to serve a congregation in Willetton (WA) in 1991.  He moved on from Willetton in 2005 to plant a church in the northern suburbs of Perth.

Peter’s ministry has been rich and varied, including running a drug rehabilitation support group, and assisting an exit ministry by counselling women leaving the sex industry.

In 2008 Peter was a candidate for the State seat of Southern River, winning  the seat from the incumbent.  In the 2013 election he increased his margin to over 16%,  which commentators attribute to his warm, friendly and caring manner and making himself very accessible to the people in his electorate.

Peter is married to Jenny, who has a vibrant ministry in her own right, having led mission teams to Children’s camps in Russia for the past 10 years.  Their 5 children are all married and have blessed them with 8 grandchildren!