Bob Carr

Robert John Carr (born September 28 1947), Australian politician, was Premier of New South Wales from 25 March 1995 to 3 August 2005. He holds the record for the longest continuous service as Premier of New South Wales. Only Sir Henry Parkes has served longer, but he held the office on five separate occasions.

Early career

The son of a train driver, Carr was born in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra, and was educated at the University of New South Wales, from which he graduated as a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in history. Unusually for an Australian politician, he is an intellectual and writer; in a recent example of his recognition as a writer, he appeared on stage at the 2004 Sydney Festival in conversation with Tom Stoppard.

Related Topics:
Sydney - Maroubra - University of New South Wales - 2004 - Sydney Festival - Tom Stoppard

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Before entering politics, Carr was a journalist for the ABC Radio's AM current affairs program, wrote for The Bulletin and spent a period working for the Labor Council of NSW.

Related Topics:
Journalist - ABC - The Bulletin - Labor Council of NSW

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A member of the Australian Labor Party, Carr entered the New South Wales Legislative Assembly at a by-election as the member for Maroubra in October 1983.

Related Topics:
Australian Labor Party - New South Wales Legislative Assembly - By-election - Maroubra

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In December 1984 he was appointed Minister for Planning and the Environment in the Wran government. He held this position until March 1988, when the ALP lost government. In February 1986 he also took on the consumer affairs portfolio, which he held until he became Minister for Heritage In July 1986.

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