The Honourable Steve Bracks AC

Following his election to the Victorian Parliament for the Australian Labor Party in 1994, Steve Bracks went on to become Victoria’s 44th Premier in October, 1999.

He became one of Victoria’s most successful Premiers winning three consecutive elections including achieving record majorities in the 2002 and 2006 elections.

Whilst Premier, Mr Bracks rebuilt Victoria’s infrastructure and services while maintaining strong budgets and managing a growing economy.

He invested heavily in education and skills with Victoria’s retention rate to Year 12 education now one of the highest in Australia.

He also led a reform proposal through a National Reform Agenda designed to increase workplace participation, improve skills, reduce business regulation and boost productivity.

These proposals won backing from all Australian Governments.

During his term in office Steve Bracks’ government was responsible for the creation of the Great Otway National Park, the cessation of clear fell logging and the subsequent protection of this area’s incredibly valuable natural heritage. Mr Bracks has close personal ties to the Otway coastline and a keen knowledge of the area.

Mr Bracks at 52 retired as Premier of Victoria on 27 July 2007, after almost eight years as Premier, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

Subsequent to his retirement as Premier of Victoria, The Hon Steve Bracks AC now holds six major honorary positions: as an Adviser to the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Xanana Gusmao; as a Director of the Bionic Ear Institute Board; as Chair of the Deakin Foundation, Deakin University; and Centre for Dialogue, LaTrobe University. He is also Honorary Chair of the Union Education Foundation and the John Button Foundation.

Mr Bracks received a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2010 for services to the Parliament and community of Victoria.  He has also received Honorary Doctorates from both Ballarat and Deakin Universities.