Memory Minder

John Paul Newman (born Johann Grauenig, formerly Naumenko; 8 December 1946 – 5 September 1994) was an Australian politician who served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1986 until his death. He was 47 when he was shot and killed outside his home in Cabramatta.

Phuong Ngo, a local club owner and political opponent who had run against Newman was convicted of Newman's murder in 2001. Newman's death has been described by the media as Australia's first political assassination. Newman was later given a state funeral.

Newman was elected as an alderman of the Fairfield City Council in 1977 and remained on the council for 10 years. He was deputy mayor in 1985–86 and served as acting mayor in 1986. In December 1979 Newman's pregnant wife, Mary, and five-year-old son, David, were killed in a car accident at Bossley Park.

Newman had waged a campaign (by helping to form Task Force Oak) to combat Asian organised crime (such as the 5T Gang) and fight the corruption, drugs, crime (particularly home invasions), and prostitution that had plagued the Cabramatta area. His car had been vandalised, and he had been the target of numerous death threats from Asian gangs but did not treat them seriously nor seek police protection.

John Paul Newman (born Johann Grauenig, formerly Naumenko; 8 December 1946 – 5 September 1994) was an Australian politician who served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1986 until his death. He was 47 when he was shot and killed outside his home in Cabramatta.

Phuong Ngo, a local club owner and political opponent who had run against Newman was convicted of Newman's murder in 2001. Newman's death has been described by the media as Australia's first political assassination. Newman was later given a state funeral.

Newman was elected as an alderman of the Fairfield City Council in 1977 and remained on the council for 10 years. He was deputy mayor in 1985–86 and served as acting mayor in 1986. In December 1979 Newman's pregnant wife, Mary, and five-year-old son, David, were killed in a car accident at Bossley Park.

Newman had waged a campaign (by helping to form Task Force Oak) to combat Asian organised crime (such as the 5T Gang) and fight the corruption, drugs, crime (particularly home invasions), and prostitution that had plagued the Cabramatta area. His car had been vandalised, and he had been the target of numerous death threats from Asian gangs but did not treat them seriously nor seek police protection.