Elder Robert J. Dudfield, Area Seventy and director of public affairs for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia; and Leo Gomez, president of the Church’s Sydney Australia Liverpool Stake, met yesterday with The Hon Tony Abbott, Member for Warringah and former prime minister of Australia.
During the meeting Mr Abbott expressed appreciation to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their support over several years of the fundraising charity event, Pollie Pedal.
Pollie Pedal—an annual event in which politicians and others cycle between major Australian cities for a particular charity—has raised millions of dollars for worthwhile causes including this year’s designated organisation, Carers Australia.
Mr Abbott, Elder Dudfield and Mr Gomez also discussed the ongoing national conversation on marriage, within the context of the need—identified by many faith and other community leaders—to safeguard freedoms of religion, belief and conscience for all Australians.
Mr Abbott spoke of his love for his wife and three daughters, who, he said, have been “the anchor” of his family.
In 2015 Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Elder Kevin W. Pearson, president of the Church's Pacific Area, presented Mr Abbott with his family history.
