I was educated at Claremont Primary School, Hollywood Senior High School (Perth), the University of Western Australia, and Oxford University. I have Masters degrees in Arts and Philosophy, and was a former lecturer in social and political theory at Murdoch University, Western Australia.
In March 1996, I became Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Federal Labor Party. In the October 1998 Federal election I led the Labor Party to a record result for a first term Opposition - gaining 19 seats and drastically reducing the Howard Government's majority in the House of Representatives. I have served in the Federal Parliament since 1980, when I won the Perth metropolitan seat of Swan, moving to the seat of Brand in 1996.
My ministerial career began in 1983 in the first Hawke Government, when I became Minister for Aviation and Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence. I was the youngest member of the ministry at the time of my appointments. On 13 December 1984, I became the youngest ever-Australian Defence Minister, and the sixth Western Australian to hold the position. I also served as Special Minister of State from 14 July 1983 until 21 January 1984. On 15 February 1988, I was appointed government leader in the House of Representatives and vice-president of the Executive Council. In April 1990, I was appointed Minister for Transport and Communications. I served as Finance Minister from 9-27 December 1991, before becoming Minister for Employment, Education and Training. I was re-appointed to the Finance portfolio in December 1993.
On 20 June 1995, the Federal Labor Caucus elected me a Deputy Prime Minister, a position that I held until the election on 2 March 1996.
Following the 2001 election I resigned as Leader of the Opposition on 22 November, 2001. I was also Shadow Minister for Defence before the 2004 Election.
The Federal Labor Caucus elected me Federal Labor leader unopposed on 28 January 2005.
I'm currently married to Susie Annus, and I have three (available) daughters - Jessica, Hannah and Rachel. ;)
My Interests
Politics, beer, my wife.
I'd like to meet:
Labor followers.
Music:
Vivaldi, Mozart and Wagner are amongst my esteemed favourites.
