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SPEAKER DETAILS
Andrew Barr MLA, Chief Minister, ACT Government
 
Andrew Barr is the 7th Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, serving since 2014, and is the Member for Kurrajong. Andrew was born in Lismore, NSW, in 1973. He moved to Canberra in 1977. He studied political science, economics and economic history at the Australian National University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Policy Studies). After graduating in 1995, he worked for the Federal and Territory politicians, before embarking on a career change to the private sector in 1999 as a media analyst and account manager. He has served in the ACT Legislative Assembly since 2006. As Treasurer and Chief Minister, Andrew has focused on the ACT's economic development, particularly encouraging private sector investment in higher education, trade, tourism, major events, arts and sport. Consequently, the ACT economy and employment has diversified away from its traditional public sector base. He initiated international flights from Canberra direct and implemented the light rail strategy. Under its Climate Change Strategy, the ACT Government has a target of reducing emissions by 50–60% (from 1990 levels) by 2025 and net zero emissions by 2045. Andrew was also a prominent advocate for the Yes campaign in the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey and the recent Referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. On both occasions the ACT has yielded the highest YES vote across the nation..
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