John Faulkner - Senator for New South Wales

Special Minister of State
Cabinet Secretary
Vice President of the Executive Council

Parliament House

Suite MG 61
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Tel:

(02) 6277 7600

Fax:

(02) 6273 4541

Email:

Email John

Electorate Office

Suite1, 1 Park Avenue
Drummoyne, NSW, 2047

Tel:

(02) 9719 8100

Fax:

(02) 9719 8078

Biography

JOHN FAULKNER was born in Leeton in south-western New South Wales on 12 April 1954, but has lived most of his life in Sydney. He was educated in the public school system and at Macquarie University. He was a member of the Macquarie University Council (1984-1992).

He joined the Labor Party as a teenager and has held various positions, including: member, NSW Administrative Committee (1978‑1989), Assistant General Secretary, NSW branch of the ALP (1980-1989); delegate, NSW Annual Conference (since 1975); delegate, National Conference (since 1982); member, ALP National Executive (since 1989).

For four years, John Faulkner worked as a specialist teacher of children with severe disabilities and then worked as a research officer for the NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation.

On 4 April 1989, John Faulkner entered the Australian Senate following the retirement of Senator Arthur Gietzelt. He was elected for further six-year terms in 1993, 1998 and 2004.

After the election in March 1993, Senator Faulkner became a member of the second Keating Ministry as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for Defence Science & Personnel, and Manager of Government Business in the Senate (March 1993-March 1996). On 28 February 1994, he was also appointed Minister for Sport and Territories.

On 25 March 1994, Senator Faulkner moved into Cabinet as Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories.

After the 1996 Federal election, he became Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, and Shadow Minister for Social Security (March 1996-March 1997). He was then appointed Shadow Minister for Public Administration and Government Services (March 1997 to present). Senator Faulkner was also given shadow responsibility for Territories (October 1997-October 1998).

After the 1998 Federal election, Senator Faulkner remained Leader of the Opposition in the Senate with portfolio responsibilities of Shadow Minister for Public Administration and Government Services; and Shadow Minister for Olympic Coordination and the Centenary of Federation.

He remained as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate after the 2001 Federal Election. In the 2001-2004 Parliamentary Term he held at different times the portfolio responsibilities of Shadow Special Minister of State, Shadow Minister for Public Administration and Accountability, and Shadow Minister for Home Affairs.

After the 2004 election Senator Faulkner did not nominate for another term as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.

John is Special Minister of State, Cabinet Secretary, and Vice President of the Executive Council in the Rudd Labor Government.