Geoff Gallop
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| Geoff Gallop AC | |
 Dr Geoff Gallop at the Midland Railway Workshops, Nov 2002. |
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| In office 10 February 2001 – 16 January 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Richard Court |
| Succeeded by | Alan Carpenter |
| Constituency | Victoria Park |
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| Born | 27 September 1951 Geraldton, Western Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Australian Labor Party |
| Profession | Economist |
Professor Geoffrey Ian Gallop AC (born 27 September 1951) is an Australian academic and former politician. He was the Premier of Western Australia from 2001 to 2006.
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[edit] Early life and education
Gallop was born in Geraldton and joined the Australian Labor Party in 1971. After studying economics at the University of Western Australia (UWA),[1] he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1972,[2] and as an undergraduate studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics[3] at St John's College, Oxford University met and became close friends with Tony Blair.[4] Blair is also the godfather of Gallop's son Tom,[1] and Gallop was a groomsman at Blair's 1980 wedding.[5] He is also a long-time friend of former federal Labor Leader Kim Beazley.[6]
Before entering state politics, Gallop worked as a tutor and lecturer at both Murdoch University and the University of Western Australia, and was a City Councillor at Fremantle from 1983 to 1986.[7]
[edit] Politics
Gallop was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for the seat of Victoria Park in 1986.[8] From 1990 to 1993, during the Lawrence Labor Government, Gallop held portfolios including Education, Parliamentary and Electoral Reform, Fuel and Energy, Micro-Economic Reform, and Minister assisting the Treasurer.[7] The Lawrence government was defeated at the 1993 state elections, and Gallop was elected Deputy Leader of the State Parliamentary Labor Party.
[edit] Opposition Leader
In Opposition, his Shadow Ministerial responsibilities included Treasury, Resources and Energy, Parliamentary and Electoral Reform, Public Sector Management, Accountability, Sport and Recreation, Aboriginal Affairs, Health, Federal Affairs, Treasury and the South West.[7]
In October 1996, Jim McGinty resigned as Leader of the Opposition and designated Gallop as his successor, a role which he took on without a vote.[1] Soon afterwards in December of that same year, he contested the State election as Labor Leader. He was defeated by the Liberal Party government of Richard Court.[9]
[edit] In Government
At the State election held on the 10 February 2001, Gallop led the Labor Party to victory,[10] becoming Premier and Minister for Public Sector Management, Federal Affairs, Science, Citizenship and Multicultural Interests.[11] Gallop went on to win a second term at the 26 February 2005 state election.[12]
[edit] Resignation
On 16 January 2006 Gallop announced his resignation from State Parliament in order to aid his recovery from depression.[13] He addressed a news conference stating that "in the interests of my health and my family I have decided to rethink my career".[13] Treasurer Eric Ripper took over from Gallop as Acting Premier, pending a leadership vote at the State Labor Caucus.[13] Alan Carpenter was elected unopposed[14] and was sworn in on 25 January 2006.
[edit] Post-government activities
He became a professor and director of Sydney University's Graduate School of Government in 2006.[2]
On 25 February 2008, it was announced he would be a member of the board of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. [15]
Gallop was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2008.[16]
[edit] Political views
Gallop is a strong supporter of the movement for an Australian republic, and took a leading role in the push for a directly-elected President during the 1998 Constitutional Convention in Canberra.[7] He is pro-choice on the issue of abortion.[17]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Aisbett, Norman. "Dr Who?", The West Australian, West Australian Newspapers Limited, 2001-01-13, p. 1. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ a b Lane, Bernard. "Gallop strikes a new balance", The Australian, News Limited, 2006-07-12, p. 32. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ McIlveen, Luke. "Gallop's act of public service - Praise from former premier", The Daily Telegraph, News Limited, 2006-01-17, p. 2. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. "Awarded Rhodes Scholarship in 1972 and graduated in philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford in 1974"
- ^ Staff writer. "Is Tony Blair hoping to clear out one of the dustier corners of Whitehall before he gallops into the sunset?", The Evening Standard, Associated Newspapers, 2007-01-08. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. "...Geoff Gallop, former Premier of Western Australia and one of Blair's oldest friends from St John's College, Oxford..."
- ^ Clarke, Tim. "WA: From marxist to premier, smiling Gallop reveals a dark side", General News, Australian Associated Press, 2006-01-16. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. "Dr Gallop was even a groomsman at the Blairs' wedding in 1980, and Mr Blair is godfather to Dr Gallop's son Tom."
- ^ Staff writer. "Everyone Is Connected In Western Australia", Canberra Times, 1999-04-16, p. 11. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. "State Opposition leader Geoff Gallop, one-time Murdoch University and Oxford University mate and best buddy of Beazley, Jr..."
- ^ a b c d Laurie, Victoria. "Broken by the burden", The Australian, News Limited, 2006-01-17, p. 11. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ Staff writer. "RTRS-Gallop becomes W.Australia opposition leader", Reuters News, Reuters, 1996-10-08. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ Staff writer. "Western Australian government returned", Agence France-Presse, 1996-12-14. Retrieved on 2008-02-17. "The Western Australian Liberal-National Party Government, headed by Premier Richard Court, has been returned to office with an increased majority in the State Legislative Assembly (lower house)."
- ^ Staff writer. "Labor claims state election victory", Associated Press Newswires, The Associated Press, 2001-02-11. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ Pryer, Wendy. "The new cabinet", The West Australian, West Australian Newspapers Limited, 2001-02-16, p. 4. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ Staff writer. "Gallop wins second term in close-fought contest", The Sunday Times, Perth: News Limited, 2005-02-27, p. 1. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ a b c Staff writer. "Ripper steps in as acting WA Premier", AAP Bulletins, Australian Associated Press Pty Ltd, 2006-01-16. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ Staff writer. "WA Premier is chosen", The Sunday Mail (Brisbane), News Limited, 2006-01-22, p. 19. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
- ^ Nicola Roxon Press Release
- ^ ABC News (2008). Aussies honoured on Queen's Birthday. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- ^ Burns, Anne. "Historic Abortion Debate Heats Up", The West Australian, West Australian Newspapers Limited, 1998-03-18, p. 1. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
[edit] External links
- Resignation statement
- Constitutional Centre of Western Australia entry on Geoff Gallop
- Geoff Gallop. "Black dog isn't really invincible", On Line Opinion, May 10, 2007.
| Parliament of Western Australia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Richard Court |
Premier of Western Australia 2001–2006 |
Succeeded by Alan Carpenter |
| Preceded by Jim McGinty |
Leader of the Australian Labor Party 1996–2006 |
Succeeded by Alan Carpenter |
| Preceded by Jim McGinty |
Opposition Leader 1996–2001 |
Succeeded by Colin Barnett |
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