Inaugural Winner of the Back Bench Politician of the Year awarded to Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch.

In a time when progressive issues such as LGBTIQ rights and marriage equiality and the medicianal benefits of cannabis oil in medical trials are regularly in mainstream media as contested policy issues, and the integrity of politicians constantly in question, it is a vote of confidence for the public that an annual award is presented by the Australian Political Studies Association APSA that actually highlights the achievements of politicians that support progressive and contested issues and have made outstanding contributions  on behalf of their constituents, whilst maintaining integrity and a conscience.

LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has described himself as ìamazed and honouredî at being awarded the title of Back Bench Politician of the Year by the Australian Political Studies Association.

The Australian Political Studies Association is the national association for Political Scientists and International Relations specialists in Australia. 

This year, APSA has decided to launch a series of Annual Awards to highlight the achievements of those in the political sphere.

The Back Bench Politician of the Year award recognises back-bench parliamentarians who make outstanding contributions to the Parliament.

In making its decision, the APSA assessment panel stated:

• At a time when there is significant public disenchantment with Australian politicians, the panel was eager to present this award to a politician of integrity and conscience. 
• The Hon Warren Entsch, Federal Member for Leichhardt, is the model parliamentarian. His reputation for being both extremely responsive to the interests of his constituents and a conviction politician has placed him in a position of high regard both at the local and the federal levels. 
• He has worked on some of the most contested policy issues of our time (e.g. Native title, Water), and held senior positions in parliament and has always behaved with great insight, diligence and dignity. 
• In sum, Warren Entsch is a great parliamentarian because of his capacity to act with consistency, frankness and sincerity.

Mr Entsch said he was very disappointed that he won't be able to attend the award ceremony, which takes place at Old Parliament House in September when he is on an overseas delegation.

"But I'd like to express my gratitude to the APSA for this recognition ñ it really does mean a huge amount to me," he said.

"I tend to put myself out there on issues that might not win me many votes, but are the right thing to do - things like medicinal marijuana, LGBTIQ rights, mental health and tuberculosis."

"I also try to take new MPs under my arm in Parliament as part of my role as the Patron of the 'Class of 2013' is to help new members and provide them with a bit of guidance when they need it, similar to when I was the Whip. It is a real pat on the back to get this recognition and I'm quite thrilled."

Other award winners include:

• Lifetime Achievement in Politics  - Senator the Hon John Faulkner
• Front Bench Politician of the Year - The Hon Julie Bishop MP
• Senate Politician of the Year - Senator The Hon Nick Xenophon
• Cartoonist of the Year - David Pope
• Campaigner of the Year - The Hon Susan Ryan AO
• Journalist of the Year - Matt Brown 

The APSA was formed in 1951 and has a long history, with around 500 members across Australia. This yearís conference will attract more than 350 delegates from Australia and overseas.

A Whip carries out a variety of functions on behalf of the party leadership.  Liberal Party Whips are appointed by the leader of the party while the Labor Party Whips are elected by the Caucus.They are appointed to not only ensure party discipline, manage legislative business but most importantly to maintain a parliamentary quorum and prevent censure motions succeeding.

New Labor MP for Leichhardt Sharryn Howes has been endorsed by the ALP over Cairns councillor Richie Bates.  She states issues such as employment, youth unemployment, Indigenous and community health care and wanting to help those struggling, as her reason for entering politics.