The Lowy Institute

After four months in his new role, Foreign Minister Bob Carr will deliver a speech on the direction of Australia’s foreign policy and overseas development assistance. He will speak about Australia’s strategic and regional relationships and Australia’s role in multilateral fora. Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr was the longest continuously serving Premier in New South Wales history. He served as Leader of the Opposition from 1988 until his election as Premier in March 1995. He was re-elected in 1999 and again in March 2003 securing an historic third four-year term. He retired from politics in 2005 after over 10 years as Premier. During these 10 years the State Government set new records for spending on infrastructure, became the first government in the State’s history to retire debt, hosted the world’s best Olympics in 2000 and achieved the nation’s best school literacy levels. Forbes magazine called Bob Carr a “dragon slayer” for his landmark tort law reforms. As Premier he introduced the world’s first ca