Peter Garrett

About me:

G’day, I’m Peter Garrett. Welcome to my MySpace.

After many years working as a musician and getting involved with environment and social issues, I came into Parliament in 2004 as the Labor Member for Kingsford Smith.

Following the 2010 federal election, I was appointed Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth in the Gillard Labor Government.

Labor has a proud record of investment and substantial reform in education and I will pursue our agenda with relish as we continue to deliver the National Curriculum, Performance Pay for teachers, and empower local schools by giving principals, parents and each school community a greater say in how their local school is run.

I am eternally optimistic about the potential of our young people and am excited that my new role will give me an opportunity to broaden that experience and work, including through the Australian Youth Forum.

I am very proud of what I was able to achieve as Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts. Quadrupling investment in our National Reserve System, developing a pioneering National Waste Policy, making the largest investment ever in the Great Barrier Reef and a commitment to the incorporation of Koongarra into Kakadu National Park are highlights of my time as Environment Minister.

During the first term of the Federal Labor Government, my portfolio responsibilities included environment, heritage and the arts.

Over a period of 26 amazing years as Midnight Oil's frontman we played protest and benefit shows in many places including at Jabiluka in the Northern Territory's Kakadu National Park, Sao Paulo Brazil, Clayquot in Canada, the anti-Exxon performance on a truck-top in the streets of New York - and for me, most important of all - our 'sorry suits' performance at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games closing ceremony.

I’m a Life member of the Australian Conservation Foundation, having served two terms as president. In my first term, from 1989 to 1993, we achieved significant results for many threatened areas of the Australian environment including Coronation Hill in Kakadu, Shoalwater Bay in Queensland, the Queensland Wet Tropics rainforest and Jervis Bay in NSW. In my second term, the ACF grew strongly, developed partnerships with non-government organisations, progressive business groups and companies, and expanded its campaigning into northern Australia.

More information is available at my ministerial website www.education.gov.au and my personal website www.petergarrett.com.au