Bob McMullan has led a distinguished career in public life, and has long been a stalwart of the ALP and an institution in the public life of the ACT. Born and educated in Perth, Bob worked as a unionist before becoming Secretary of the Western Australian Branch of the Party in 1975 and National Secretary in 1981. In

1988, Bob was appointed Senator for the ACT. He entered the lower house as Member of Canberra in 1996 and has been Member for Fraser since 1998.

During his time in Parliament, Bob has held a number of senior positions. He rose to Cabinet in the Keating government as Minister for the Arts and Administrative Services and subsequently Minister for Trade. In opposition, Bob served as Manager of Opposition Business and Shadow Treasurer, amongst numerous other roles. After the 2007 election victory Bob was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, a portfolio about which he is passionate.

Having made the difficult decision to retire at the next election, Bob hopes, after a well-deserved holiday, to continue to work in international development. In the interim, though, he intends to “continue to serve the Government and the people of Fraser wholeheartedly and actively every day until the election”. He thanks all ALP members, particularly those in Fraser, for their continuingencouragement and support throughout his career.