About Guy

Born in Launceston in 1962, Guy Barnett was raised on a farm and educated at Hagley Farm Primary School and then Launceston and Geelong Grammar Schools before studying law at the University of Tasmania, including a Master of Laws.

Career Objective

To make a difference, with a ‘can-do’ attitude.

Career Summary

More than three decades of experience in politics, government and the law including more than nine years as a Senator. Senior parliamentary roles in government and opposition involving law and justice, health, healthy lifestyles, diabetes, economics, public accounts, overseas aid and cyber-safety.

Guy Barnett also practiced law in Melbourne and Washington, D.C. law firms on business, trade and agriculture issues and appointed senior adviser to the Tasmanian Premier. Owned and managed award winning (Telstra Small Business Award 2000 – GBA Communications) government and public affairs business.

Major Capabilities

• Ability to optimise an organisation’s relationship with government.
• One of Australia’s authorities on how government works and how it can be influenced.
• A leading advocate for more healthy lifestyles.
• Excellent public speaking, promotional and advocacy skills.
• Well-developed understanding of overseas aid issues.

Author

Author / editor of the following publications:

• Make a Difference: A Practical Guide to Lobbying, June 2010 (author) 
• Our Heroes, Tasmania’s Victoria Cross Recipients, three editions since 2008 (author) [PDF 5.3MB]
• Lifting the Lid on How Parliament Works, three editions since 2002 (author) [PDF 2.3MB]
• The Millennium Disease: Responses to Australia’s Obesity Epidemic, November 2006 (editor) [PDF 4.5MB]
• Healthy Lifestyles Forum to help combat childhood obesity - Issues & Solutions, May 2003 (editor)
• More than 100 articles and speeches in Australia and overseas.

Community Service

• Executive and foundation member of the Parliamentary Diabetes Support Group [PDF 6.4MB] 
• Chair and Vice-Chair of the Australia-Denmark Parliamentary Friendship Group.
• Honorary lawyer for the Retail Trades Association, Baptist Churches of Tasmania and Timber Communities Australia (1990 - 2002).
• Strong supporter of the ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign including as co-convenor of the Parliamentary Friends of the Millennium Development Goals.
• Established the Tasmanian Pollie Pedal charity 3 day bike ride raising awareness and funds for people with diabetes, now in its sixth year.
• Organised and led the Kokoda-JDRF trek in 2008 to honour Australia’s veterans and raise awareness and $165,000 for juvenile diabetes research.
• Specific initiatives to support veterans, volunteers, and people with disabilities.