John Barker & Associates

John Barker commenced as a Public Administrator in 1964, with the Transport Commission. Progressing to a senior administrative role, John transferred to the Premier's Department in 1979. In 1980, he was appointed to a senior staffing position in the personal office of Labor Premier of Tasmania Hon Doug Lowe MHA. The following year, John held a similar position in Labor Premier Hon Harry Holgate MHA's personal office. Following the election of the Government of Hon Robin Gray MHA in 1982, John was appointed Senior Private Secretary to the Premier. John also held the position of Senior Government Liaison Officer, linking Government to Business and the community.



					John Barker - Personal Profile

				John Barker commenced as a Public Administrator in 1964, with the Transport Commission. Progressing to a senior administrative role, John transferred to the Premier's Department in 1979. In 1980, he was appointed to a senior staffing position in the personal office of Labor Premier of Tasmania Hon Doug Lowe MHA. The following year, John held a similar position in Labor Premier Hon Harry Holgate MHA's personal office. Following the election of the Government of Hon Robin Gray MHA in 1982, John was appointed Senior Private Secretary to the Premier. John also held the position of Senior Government Liaison Officer, linking Government to Business and the community. In 1987 John was elected as a Member of the House of Assembly in the Tasmanian Government, representing the seat of Denison, and shortly after was elected Government Whip. He retained this position until 1989, when he was elected Opposition Whip and appointed to Shadow Ministerial Portfolios including National Parks and Wildlife, Public Sector Management, Aboriginal Affairs and Racing and Gaming. From 1992 until 1995, John performed the duties of State Government Cabinet Secretary, Government Whip, Chairman of Committees and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. In 1994 he was appointed Assistant Economic Development Minister and in 1995 was appointed Minister with the portfolios of Employment, Public Sector Management and Racing and Gaming. In 1986 John was appointed a Justice of the Peace and in 2005 he was afforded the title "Honerable". After 32 years experience with the Tasmanian Public Sector, John entered private business in 1996. Recognising the lack of understanding between Government and Business of their respective roles, the consultancy practice of John Barker and Associates was established in May of that year. He is a member of Rotary International, Athenaeum Club Hobart, Honorary Justices Association. John also has broad personal, business, community and sporting interests. John is a member of the Advisory Boards to Marsh (Tas) Pty Ltd and Stornoway Group of companies.