Tony Smith

Anthony Charles Smith (born 15 July 1950) is a former Australian politician. He was a member of the House of Representatives from 1996 to 1998, representing the Queensland seat of Dickson. He was elected as a member of the Liberal Party, but resigned following controversy over his private life and sat as an independent until his defeat.

Early life Smith was born on 15 July 1950 in Brisbane, Queensland. He attended Junction Park State School and Salisbury State High School, leaving high school at the age of 15 and taking up an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner with Evans Deakin and Company. He later worked at sea as a marine engineer and as a postman, completing his high school leaving certificate by correspondence while working on a farm. Smith obtained the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland and practised as a barrister from 1983 until his election to parliament. He re-contested Dickson at the 1998 election, gaining 9% of the primary vote, but losing to former Democrats leader and Labor candidate Cheryl Kernot.

Personal life In October 1997, the Australian Financial Review reported that Smith had publicly admitted to slapping his wife and was the subject of a domestic violence order (DVO). He was also "recently interviewed by Queensland police when he left a Brisbane brothel just as police were raiding it".