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Andrew Barr

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This article is about the Australian politician. For the musician, see Andrew Barr (musician). For similarly named people, see Andy Barr (disambiguation).

Andrew Barr
MLA
Barr in 2019
7th Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory
Elections: 2016, 2020, 2024
Incumbent
Assumed office
11 December 2014
DeputySimon Corbell
Yvette Berry
Preceded byKaty Gallagher
11th Deputy Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory
In office
16 May 2011 – 11 December 2014
LeaderKaty Gallagher
Preceded byKaty Gallagher
Succeeded bySimon Corbell
Member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for Kurrajong
Incumbent
Assumed office
15 October 2016
Member of the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for Molonglo
In office
5 April 2006 – 15 October 2016
Preceded byTed Quinlan
Succeeded bySeat abolished
Treasurer of the Australian Capital Territory
Incumbent
Assumed office
1 July 2011
Preceded byKaty Gallagher
Personal details
Born
Andrew James Barr[1]

(1973-04-29) 29 April 1973 (age 51)
Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
Political partyLabor
Spouse
Anthony Toms
​
(m. 2019)​
Alma materAustralian National University
Websitewww.andrewbarr.com.au

Andrew James Barr (born 29 April 1973) is an Australian politician who has been serving as the 7th and current chief minister of the Australian Capital Territory since 2014 and the treasurer of the Australian Capital Territory since 2011.[2] He has been the leader of the Australian Capital Territory branch of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) since 2014 and a member (MLA) of the ACT Legislative Assembly since 2006.

Barr was immediately promoted to Cabinet upon his election to replace former Treasurer Ted Quinlan, who resigned mid-term.[3] On 11 December 2014 he was elected as Chief Minister after his predecessor, Katy Gallagher, resigned and announced her intention to run for the Senate.[4] In addition to being Chief Minister, he holds the portfolios of Treasurer; Climate Action; Trade, Investment and Economic Development; and Tourism.

Barr is the first openly LGBTI head of government in Australia (from 2014), and was the first openly LGBTI member as well as government cabinet minister in the ACT Legislative Assembly from 2006.[4][5]

Early life

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Barr was born in Lismore, New South Wales, and was raised in Canberra, attending Holt Pre-School, the AME School, Turner Primary School, Lyneham High School and Lake Ginninderra College.[6] He studied political science, economics and economic history at the Australian National University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Policy Studies).[7] Barr became involved in student politics, serving as Treasurer of the Australian National University Students' Association and as a director on the board of the Australian National University Union.

Career

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Early career

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After graduating in 1995, Barr worked for the Federal parliamentarian Annette Ellis and later the then ACT Opposition Leader Jon Stanhope, before embarking on a career change to the private sector in 1999 as a media analyst and account manager.

During the 1990s Barr became a leading influence within the right faction of ACT Labor (Centre Coalition) and was involved in the successful election of the first non-left faction ACT party secretary, Michael Kerrisk. In 2006, Barr said, "When I came out in the late '90s I had already been in the party for some eight years, so people were already used to me.... But it was at this time though that I decided to step back from front-line politics. It was a big change in my life and it was at this time that I met my partner Anthony, so I just needed time to adjust."[8]

Return to politics

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Barr returned to political life in 2002 as a senior adviser to John Hargreaves, the Government Whip. Following Hargreaves' election to the ministry in November 2004, Barr was appointed his chief of staff – a position he held until his election to the Assembly in April 2006.[9]

Barr speaking at a 2015 ceremony at the Australian War Memorial

In early 2004, Barr won pre-selection for the Labor ticket in the seven-member Molonglo electorate, which included Barr's suburb of Dickson and that of his previous residence in Braddon. He campaigned largely on financial management, housing affordability and urban infrastructure issues, such as balanced territory budgets, tax concessions for first home buyers, inner city parking permits and footpath and street lighting upgrades, while also expressing support for gay law reform, the reproductive rights of women, multiculturalism and refugees.[citation needed] Barr polled strongly in inner city booths and ultimately found himself in contention for the seventh and final Molonglo seat, along with Liberals Jacqui Burke, Zed Seselja and fellow Labor candidate Mike Hettinger, but narrowly missed out, coming in tenth.

Barr continued working for Hargreaves after the election, but received a second chance at entering the Assembly when the Treasurer, Ted Quinlan, resigned in March 2006. The resulting countback saw the redistribution of Quinlan's primary vote and Barr's election to the ACT Legislative Assembly.

Quinlan's resignation from the Assembly sparked a ministerial reshuffle, with Barr immediately entering the ministry upon taking his seat. He was assigned the Education, Training, Industrial Relations, Sport and Tourism portfolios. Barr dedicated most of his maiden speech to economic management, housing affordability and progressive social reform[10]

Barr was re-elected to the seat of Molonglo for the 2008 and 2012 ACT elections. Following a major redistribution, he was elected to the seat of Kurrajong at the 2016 election and re-elected in 2020.

Treasurer and Chief Minister

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Following the resignation of Jon Stanhope in May 2011, Barr was appointed Deputy Chief Minister in the cabinet of new Chief Minister Katy Gallagher.[11] Following Gallagher's resignation to run for the Senate, Barr was elected as Chief Minister on 11 December 2014. As leader, Barr led ACT Labor to a fifth consecutive general election win in October 2016.[12]

As of December 2023, Barr is the longest serving incumbent state or territory leader in Australia, and the last remaining state or territory leader since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia in March 2020.[13]

Economic development and taxation reforms

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In 2012, following a review by former Treasurer Ted Quinlan,[14] Barr announced a 20-year program to transform the ACT taxation system, with the intention of making the system fairer, simpler and more efficient.[15] This program includes the abolition of stamp duty on property transfers and insurance premiums, with the foregone revenue replaced through the general rates system—an approach supported by most economists.[16] New South Wales and Victoria have expressed support for similar reforms.[17][18]

As Treasurer and Chief Minister, Barr has focused on the ACT's economic development, particularly encouraging private sector investment in higher education, trade, tourism, major events, arts and sport.[19] Consequently, the ACT economy and employment has diversified away from its traditional public sector base.

In 2016, the ACT Government secured international flights for Canberra, with Singapore Airlines operating a 'Capital Express' route linking Singapore, Canberra and Wellington,[20] and Qatar Airways operating flights via Sydney.[21] In the same year, he established the Office of the Commissioner for International Engagement, with responsibility for building and cultivating international relationships for the economic, social and cultural benefit of the ACT.

In October 2019, Barr launched the ACT Government's Infrastructure Plan outlining key health, transport, education and environmental infrastructure priorities including a new hospital and stadium, Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) campus upgrades and stage 2 of light rail.[22]

In 2020, Barr announced a major expansion of UNSW Canberra, with the establishment of a new campus in Canberra's centre on the existing CIT site.[23]

Public transport

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Main article: Light rail in Canberra

The construction of Canberra's light rail line was part of a governing agreement reached by the Barr government's predecessor, the Gallagher government, with ACT Greens following the 2012 ACT election, at which ACT Labor required the Greens' support to form the government.[24] This agreement remained in place after the 2016 ACT election returned the Labor-Greens government.[25]

In April 2019, Stage 1 of the Canberra light rail launched, connecting Canberra's northern suburbs in Gungahlin with the city's centre via the Northbourne Avenue corridor.[26]

In September 2019, the Barr Government approved the business case for stage 2A of the light rail, which is to extend the line with three additional stops from the city centre to Commonwealth Park.[27] This first requires London Circuit to be raised, works for which commenced in November 2022.[28]

In October 2024, works began to install a new 'MyWay+' ticketing system for all public transport in Canberra. Expected to be completed in November 2024, this new ticketing system will allow for more accurate real-time location transport data and the ability to pay with credit cards, smartphones, and wearable devices.[29][30][31]

Clean energy

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Barr's government has continued its predecessors' climate change policies, including reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy. Under its Climate Change Strategy, the ACT Government has a target of reducing emissions by 50–60% (from 1990 levels) by 2025 and net zero emissions by 2045.[32] In May 2019, the ACT joined other jurisdictions around the world in declaring a state of climate emergency.[33][34]

In 2020, the ACT became the first major jurisdiction outside of the European Union to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions electricity supply.[35][36]

In 2021, the Barr Government launched its 'Sustainable Household Scheme', offering zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 for eligible households to make electrification upgrades such as rooftop solar panels, household battery storage systems, electric vehicles and heating efficiency.[37][38][39]

In July 2022, the Barr Government announced its intention to place a ban on the sale of new petrol cars in the ACT from 2035.[40] As of 2023, the ACT has the highest adoption of electric vehicles of all the Australian states and territories, with an estimated 20% of all new vehicle purchases being electric.[41]

In June 2023, the Barr Government passed legislation to ban the installation of gas connections in new buildings in the ACT.[42] This ban came into effect in December 2023.[43]

Recycling and circular economy

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As part of its 'Everyday climate choices' campaign, the Barr government has promoted measures towards a circular economy.[44]

In June 2018, the Barr government launched a container deposit scheme.[45] It is estimated that, in the first four years of the scheme, it resulted in the recyling of 300 million recycled containers.[46]

In April 2019, the Barr government complete its roll-out of vegetation waste collection bins to all Canberra suburbs.[47][48] In November 2021, it launched a pilot program for bin collection of food and garden organics (FOGO) in select suburbs, which was expanded to more suburbs in September 2024.[49]

Since 2021, the Barr government has also pursued a staggered increase in restrictions on the supply or sale of single-use plastics by businesses. As of 2024, the restrictions apply to single-use plastic cutlery, stirrers, straws, polystyrene takeaway containers, non-compostable coffee cups, heavyweight plastic bags, and degradable plastic.[50][51][52][53]

Euthanasia

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Main article: Assisted dying in Australia

In December 2022, the federal Australian Parliament repealed the federal ban on the ACT and Northern Territory legislating euthanasia.[54][55] Following this repeal, in June 2024, the Barr government passed legislation in the ACT Parliament to legalise euthanasia for adults residing in the ACT with a condition that is advanced, progressive, and expected to cause death.[56] This legalisation comes into effect in November 2025.[57]

LGBTI rights

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A Canberra bus with rainbow wrap advertising as support from the ACT Government for the city's LGBTIQ community during the survey period.[58]

Barr has been a strong supporter of same-sex marriage and LGBTI rights,[59] voting in favour of anti-discrimination law reform, civil unions, civil partnerships and same-sex marriage laws.

His government has continued to support anti-discimination and inclusivity of LGBTI communities. In 2017, Barr was a prominent advocate for the 'Yes' campaign in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, in which the ACT had the highest Yes result (74%) and participation rate (82.5%) in Australia. The ACT Government gave official support to the "Yes" campaign.[60][61][62]

In 2018, his government announced its intention to remove the ability for religious schools to discriminate against LGBTI teachers.[63]

In 2020, the Barr government passed legislation that bans LGBTI conversion therapy.[64][65]

Personal life

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Barr married his long-term partner Anthony Toms on 13 November 2019, becoming the first leader of an Australian state or territory government to marry someone of the same sex.[66]

Barr has admitted to eating a pot brownie before.[67]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ 2012/2013 Annual Returns Archived 15 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Elections ACT, 29 August 2013.
  2. ^ Lawson, Kirsten (11 October 2016). "Andrew Barr, a lifelong creature of politics". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2018.
  3. ^ Australian Capital Territory Ministerial Directory Archived 28 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ a b "Andrew Barr elected ACT Chief Minister, seventh in history". ABC News. Australia. 11 December 2014. Archived from the original on 15 January 2018. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
  5. ^ Gardner, Jorian (15–21 October 2009). "Andrew pops the question". CityNews. Vol. 15, no. 40 (Canberra ed.). p. 3. Openly gay Minister Andrew Barr will enter into a civil union with partner Anthony Toms next month, just as the ACT Legislative assembly attempts another run at putting forward same-sex partnerships legislation similar to that recently passed in Tasmania.
  6. ^ "Celebrating the Achievements of our Past Students", Education Directorate, ACT Government, archived from the original on 30 January 2017, retrieved 30 January 2017
  7. ^ "Andrew Barr". Members for Molongolo. Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly. 2011. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  8. ^ Gardner, Jorian (January 2004). "Barr Interview 2006". Canberra City News. Archived from the original on 26 July 2008. Retrieved 9 October 2008.
  9. ^ Manager, Web (28 April 2020). "Barr-Andrew". www.parliament.act.gov.au. Archived from the original on 26 November 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  10. ^ Barr: Swearing In and Inaugural Speech Archived 7 April 2018 at the Wayback Machine, ACT Legislative Assembly Hansard, 2006 Week 4 Hansard (2 May), accessed 7 November 2009
  11. ^ Australian Capital Territory (Self Government) Ministerial Appointment 2011 (No 1) Archived 5 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine (ACT) sch 1
  12. ^ "Labor claim historic victory in ACT election". Sky News. 16 October 2016. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
  13. ^ Campbell, Eleanor (11 December 2023). "ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr declares he is "energised and ready to go" for 2024". news.com.au. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  14. ^ "ACT government property reform: what's happening to Canberra rates and land tax". The Canberra Times. 10 June 2019. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  15. ^ "ACT Budget Speech 2012-13" (PDF). ACT Government. 5 June 2012.
  16. ^ "Following the ACT land tax approach boosts growth and state budgets". Grattan Institute. 10 October 2016.
  17. ^ "Now is the time to reform stamp duty". Australian Financial Review. 4 May 2020. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  18. ^ "Victoria backs reform, stamp duty push". Australian Financial Review. 5 May 2020. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  19. ^ "Economic Development". Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate. 22 August 2022. Archived from the original on 31 May 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  20. ^ "Canberra international flights: Singapore Airlines launches Capital Express route". The Sydney Morning Herald. 20 January 2016. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  21. ^ "Canberra gains more international flights as Qatar Airways announces Doha route". ABC News. 29 November 2016. Archived from the original on 28 December 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  22. ^ "$14 billion plan hinges on Canberra's growth". The Canberra Times. 17 October 2019. Archived from the original on 20 December 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  23. ^ "UNSW to build $1 billion Canberra campus". The Canberra Times. 5 March 2020. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  24. ^ "Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury supports Labor in the ACT to return Katy Gallagher as Chief Minister". news.com.au. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  25. ^ "ACT election: Labor claims victory, says Canberra voted for light rail". ABC News. 15 October 2016. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  26. ^ "Canberra light rail's business plan for Stage 2A approved by ACT Government, London Circuit to be raised". ABC News. 10 September 2019. Archived from the original on 31 March 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  27. ^ "Light rail Stage 2A to create new intersection between London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue". ABC News. 10 September 2019. Archived from the original on 31 March 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  28. ^ Twyford, Lottie. "UPDATED: 'Ludicrous' to suggest buses won't be changed after light rail gets to Woden: Steel". Riotact. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  29. ^ Bushnell, Ian. "MyWay+ starts 'learning journey' around public transport network before November launch". Riotact. Archived from the original on 22 May 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  30. ^ "Use an app with real-time updates, tap on with your smartphone: ACT's public transport ticketing overhaul". ABC News. 26 February 2023. Archived from the original on 8 October 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  31. ^ "All you need to know about MyWay+". The Canberra Times. 14 August 2024. Archived from the original on 17 September 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  32. ^ "ACT Climate Change Strategy". ACT Government. 30 September 2021. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  33. ^ "ACT parliament declares climate emergency". SBS News. 16 May 2019. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  34. ^ "Climate Emergency Declaration". ACT Government. 28 June 2022. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  35. ^ "ACT: First Outside Europe to 100% Renewable Transition". The Australian Institute. 18 September 2019. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
  36. ^ "The ACT is now running on 100 renewable electricity". SBS News. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  37. ^ "Interest-free loans for solar will soon be restricted for Canberra households while encouraged for apartments". ABC News. 25 June 2023. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  38. ^ Waterworth, David (22 July 2024). "Getting Off The Gas — A Tale Of Two Cities". CleanTechnica. Archived from the original on 24 July 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  39. ^ Media, Newstime (24 July 2024). "Barr: Sustainable Household Scheme saved Canberrans millions". Canberra Daily. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  40. ^ "It's official: ACT to ban new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 – everything you need to know". Drive. Archived from the original on 26 March 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  41. ^ Waterworth, David (15 June 2024). "Electric Cars Reach 20% Penetration in the Australian Capital Territory". CleanTechnica. Archived from the original on 22 July 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  42. ^ "ACT passes first law in Australia banning gas in new homes, as fossil empire strikes back". RenewEconomy. 8 June 2023. Archived from the original on 26 March 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  43. ^ Fenwicke, Claire. "Homebuilders urged to flick electric switch as new gas connection ban looms". Riotact. Archived from the original on 1 October 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  44. ^ "ACT businesses could be fined $40,000 for improperly disposing of food scraps as part of 'circular economy'". ABC News. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 4 October 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  45. ^ "Recycle scheme success is win-win for environment and community groups". The Canberra Times. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  46. ^ Media, Newstime (31 March 2022). "Majority of Canberrans using Container Deposit Scheme". Canberra Daily. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  47. ^ Roberts, Lachlan. "Green bins to be rolled out across all Canberra suburbs by April". Riotact. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  48. ^ Hall, Braydon (1 April 2019). "Green waste bins now rolled out to all of Canberra". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 18 July 2023. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  49. ^ Bushnell, Ian. "FOGO pilot expanded to more unit households in Tuggeranong and Belconnen". Riotact. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  50. ^ "The phasing out of Canberra's plastic cutlery and takeaway containers has begun". ABC News. 27 June 2021. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  51. ^ "Heading to the footy or a music festival in Canberra? You'll now be expected to go plastic-free". ABC News. 8 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  52. ^ Shteyman, Jacob (2 March 2024). "Plastic coffee cups tamped out in nation-first ban". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  53. ^ "New environmental and economic laws take effect in the ACT". www.thelawyermag.com. Archived from the original on 9 October 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  54. ^ "'Way past time': Territory assisted dying ban overturned". Australian Financial Review. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  55. ^ White, Ben; Villar, Katrine Del; Willmott, Lindy (1 December 2022). "Territories free to make their own voluntary assisted dying laws, in landmark decision. Here's what happens next". The Conversation. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  56. ^ "Lara watched her partner Dan battle terminal brain cancer — she's grateful for the ACT's new voluntary assisted dying laws". ABC News. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  57. ^ Jacques, Oliver. "Voluntary assisted dying legalised in ACT after 30-year battle". Riotact. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  58. ^ Burgess, Kate (29 August 2017). "The ACT's new rainbow buses revealed to promote same-sex marriage 'yes' case". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  59. ^ "TimeBase - ACT Bill To Prevent Sexuality And Gender Identity Conversion Practices". www.timebase.com.au. Archived from the original on 21 September 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2020.
  60. ^ Burdon, Daniel (24 August 2017). "ACT same-sex marriage campaign to cost $45,000". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
  61. ^ Burgess, Katie (29 August 2017). "The ACT's new rainbow buses revealed to promote same-sex marriage 'yes' case". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  62. ^ Larouche, Emma (17 August 2017). "Criticism after 'yes' same-sex marriage campaign dips into taxpayer money". 9News. Archived from the original on 18 August 2017. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  63. ^ "Andrew Barr to start to close discrimination loophole next week". The Canberra Times. 24 October 2018. Archived from the original on 5 June 2020. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  64. ^ "Canberra bans LGBTQ conversion therapy with new criminal penalties". ABC News. 27 August 2020. Archived from the original on 27 August 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  65. ^ Powell, Anastasia; Sandy, Larissa; Hiscock, Rebecca (8 September 2020). "Why Australia needs a national ban on conversion therapy". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 20 April 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  66. ^ "ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr marries his partner, Anthony Toms, 20 years after they met". ABC News. 14 November 2019. Archived from the original on 31 January 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  67. ^ "Which ACT politicians have tried cannabis, MDMA and acid?". 24 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
[edit]
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Political offices
Preceded by Deputy Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory
2011–2014 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory
2014–present 		Incumbent
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