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Biography
- Robert McClelland has held the seat of Barton since 1996.
- He holds an Arts Law degree form the University of New South Wales and a Master of Law from the University of Sydney.
- Prior to entering Federal Parliament, he worked as an associate to Justice Philip Evatt of the Federal Court of Australia and as a solicitor with Turner Freeman Solicitors, where he became a partner in 1988.
- He is currently Federal Attorney-General.
- A keen surfer and rugby league supporter, he is married and has four children.
Electorate Information
- Created in 1922, Barton covers only 38 sq.km.
- It extends along Botany Bay and the Georges River south of the main southern railway of Sydney.
- Its main suburbs include Arncliffe, Rockdale, Kogarah, Blakehurst, Sans Souci and parts of Bexley and Hurstville.
- The electorate was named after Sir Edmund Barton 1849-1920, the first Prime Minister of Australia 1901-03.
- Past members include former Labor leader H.V. 'Doc' Evatt (1940-58) and former Labor Aviation Minister Gary Punch (1983-96), who was elected Mayor of Hurstville at 21, and was only 26 when elected member for Barton. He also became the youngest ever Commonwealth Minister when appointed to the Ministry in 1987.
Parliamentary Service
- Elected to the House of Representatives for Barton, New South Wales, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007.
Ministerial Appointments
- Attorney General from 3.12.07.
Electoral Swing
4.53 per cent swing to ALP.
