John Cherry

John Clifford Cherry (born May 22, 1965) was an Australian Democrats member of the Australian Senate from 2001 to 2005, representing the state of Queensland.

Related Topics:
May 22 - 1965 - Australian Democrats - Australian Senate - 2001 - 2005 - Queensland

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Cherry was born in Kilcoy, Queensland. He studied at the University of Queensland, gaining three degrees in law, economics and public administration. While at university, he joined the Australian Labor Party. After spending two years as a journalist with the Townsville Bulletin, he changed careers, becoming an industrial officer with the State Public Services Federation. He continued in the position until 1993, when he took up a position with the Australian Democrats as an economic advisor to the party leader, having resigned as a Labor member the previous year.

Related Topics:
Kilcoy - Queensland - University of Queensland - Australian Labor Party - Townsville Bulletin - 1993

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As a staffer, Cherry served under the leadership of both Cheryl Kernot and Meg Lees. He played an important role in negotiations over the Goods and Services Tax, helping to secure its passage in exchange for exemptions on food. In 1998, he ran unsuccessfully for the Senate.

Related Topics:
Cheryl Kernot - Meg Lees - Goods and Services Tax - 1998

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He continued on as a party staffer until 2001, when he resigned after admitting to an inquiry that he had been involved in a Labor branch-stacking incident in 1986. Despite this, when John Woodley resigned the same year, Cherry was offered his position in the Senate. His appointment was criticised by the Liberal Party of Australia, due to his involvement in the 1986 incident.

Related Topics:
2001 - 1986 - John Woodley - Liberal Party of Australia

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In 2002, Cherry joined his former boss Lees and colleagues Andrew Murray and Aden Ridgeway in forcing out then-leader Natasha Stott Despoja. In the aftermath, they were widely characterised in the media as the "Gang of Four". Cherry is known as one of the more conservative Democrat Senators. In 2003, he played a key role in overturning the party's policy against passing any superannuation laws without the inclusion of same-sex couples, despite the opposition of gay fellow Democrat Senator Brian Greig.

Related Topics:
2002 - Andrew Murray - Aden Ridgeway - Natasha Stott Despoja - 2003 - Brian Greig

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His current portfolio responsibilities include agriculture, broadcasting and communications, charities, employment and employment services, regional development and services, superannuation and housing.

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Cherry faced his first election campaign in October 2004. He failed to re-win his seat; instead the sixth Queensland senate seat went to the Nationals.

Related Topics:
October - 2004 - Nationals

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