George Souris Member of the NSW Parliament

THE HONOURABLE GEORGE SOURIS MP



B.Ec., Dip.F.Mgt.,F.A.I.M., F.C.P.A.


Born Gunnedah, New South Wales, 12th July, 1949.

[Son of Theothosios Souris, (parachoukli - "o Layos" - "the hare"), and Kanella Vernardos. Theo and Kanella had four children; in age order - Peter (Tweed Heads), Anastasia (Epping), George, and Stavros (Newcastle). Information provided by Peter Vernardos, aged 82, 2004, Gunnedah, NSW.]

[Both parents where born in the town of Karavas in Greece. Karavas, of course, is the highest achieving town of all on Kythera. This bias on my behalf is not influenced by the fact that all my ancestors for the past 250 years, were born and bred in Karavas. George C Poulos.]

Educated at The Armidale School and University of New England.
Qualified Public Accountant, Company Auditor and Taxation Consultant.

Formerly partner in the accounting practice of Hudson, Souris and Co. at Singleton.

Elected Member for Upper Hunter in New South Wales Parliament, March, 1988 for the National Party. Past Vice-Chairman of New South Wales Public Accounts Committee.

Former appointee to Council of University of Newcastle as New South Wales Parliament’s representative.

Formerly a Shire Councillor of Singleton Shire Council for seven years and its Deputy President for four years.

A University Sports Blue in Rugby, has represented the Gordon Club, New South Wales Country, Australian Universities and the Australian Colts rugby teams.

Past member of Sydney University Regiment.

Past Chairman of National Party Branch and Electorate Council and New South Wales Central Councillor. Member of Rotary and past President of various community organizations including Pre-School Committee and Red Shield Appeal.

Appointed as Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing and Minister Assisting the Premier in June 1991.
Appointed Minister for Finance and Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Ethnic Affairs in July 1992.
Appointed Minister for Land and Water Conservation in May 1993.



Elected Deputy Leader of the National Party May 1993.
Elected Leader of the National Party 14 January 1999.

Appointed Shadow Minister for Public Works & Roads following March 25th 1995 State Election.
Appointed Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs and Services and Shadow Minister for Gaming in April, 2002.
Currently Shadow Minister for State Development and Shadow Minister for Gaming & Racing following March 22nd 2003 State Election.

Married to Vassy (Vassiliki) and has a family of two sons.