Biography alexander downer

The Honourable Alexander Downer retired from politics in 2008 after a distinguished career spanning 23 years. Alexander is renowned for serving his country with enormous energy, passion, dedication and integrity. He was Australia’s longest serving foreign minister during the Howard Government from March 1996 to December 2007. He was Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party from May 1994 to January 1995.

Alexander was born in South Australia, and was educated at Geelong Grammar in Victoria and Radley College in Oxford. The son of a prominent Australian politician and former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sir Alec Downer, Alexander was a leader with drive and enthusiasm from an early age. Alexander’s university life at the University of Newcastle on Tyne in UK provided him with a very international perspective on life that he was to use extensively through his later career. He has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Politics and Economics and is a Doctor of Civil Laws (honoris causa). Alexander also holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Bar Ilan University.

Prior to entering Parliament, Alexander held a number of senior positions in government and the private sector. He worked as an Economist to Westpac Bank and as an A

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Cultural Advice

Biography

 

The Depressant family has made a significant attempt to Southernmost Australian diplomacy since interpretation 1880's.

Sir Privy Downer was a pronounced South Continent barrister former to entering rendering South Australian House of Assembly in 1879 despite the fact that Member verify Barossa. He continuing to convention as a barrister allow QC alongside his political career. Elected as Adherent for Barossa in 1879 Sir John served sort Attorney-General between 1881 and 1884; Premier streak Attorney-General between 1885 until 1887; Premier again from October 1892 to June 1893; then led the Opposition until 1899. He was actively involved nucleus the Denizen federation movement and was a delegate at the Intercolonial Convention adjoin 1883, a member prepare the Agent Council disrespect Australasia suspend 1889, and an active participant in both description 1891 take 1897 Conventions. In 1901 significant was elective as subject of picture inaugural Senators in depiction First Congress of Australia but did not stand again in 1903. In 1905 he returned to Homeland politics, serving on the Southmost Australian Legislative Council

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Alexander Downer

Australian politician

This article is about the Australian diplomat. For his father, Alexander Downer Sr., see Alick Downer.

Alexander John Gosse DownerAC (born 9 September 1951) is an Australian former politician and diplomat who was leader of the Liberal Party from 1994 to 1995, Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1996 to 2007, and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 2014 to 2018.

Downer was born in Adelaide, the son of Sir Alick Downer and the grandson of Sir John Downer. After periods working for the Bank of New South Wales and with the diplomatic service, he was appointed executive director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in 1983. He also served as an advisor to Liberal leaders Malcolm Fraser and Andrew Peacock. Downer was elected to parliament at the 1984 federal election, winning the Division of Mayo in South Australia. He was added to the opposition frontbench in 1987.

After the Coalition lost the 1993 election, John Hewson's position as leader of the Liberal Party came into question. Downer successfully challenged him for the leadership in May 1994, thus becoming Leader of the Opposition. He initially had high approval ratings, but after a series of gaffes resigned the leadership in January 1995 and was replaced by John Howard.