Degrees in Economics and Law, Monash University. 1970-85, full-time trade union official, Federated Storemen and Packers Union, Australia; 1985-90, President, Australian Council of Trade Unions; 1990, elected to Federal Parliament and Minister for Science and Technology; Minister for Primary Industries and Energy; Minister for Employment, Education and Training; 1996-98, Shadow Minister for Industry and Regional Development and Manager of Opposition Business; 1998-2001, Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Treasurer; 2001-03, Leader of the Opposition; 2003-04, Shadow Treasurer; 2004-05, Shadow Trade Minister; 2005-06, Regional Development Shadow Minister; 2006-07, Shadow Trade and Regional Development Minister; since December 2007, current position. Patron, North Melbourne Football Club.