Contact Alexander

Shop 6b, 20 Druids Avenue,
MT BARKER SA 5251

PO Box 1601,
MT BARKER SA 5251

Phone: 08 8398 5566
Fax: 08 8398 5577

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About Alexander

Alexander Downer was born on 9 September 1951. He was educated at Crafers Primary School, Geelong Grammar School, Victoria; Radley College, Oxford, United Kingdom; and the University of Newcastle on Tyne, United Kingdom. He has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Politics and Economics and is a Doctor of Civil Laws (honoris causa).

Mr Downer was elected Federal Member for Mayo in South Australia in 1984. He served as Shadow Minister in a number of portfolios before becoming Leader of the Opposition in 1994.

Mr Downer stepped down as Liberal Party Leader in January 1995 and became Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs. In March 1996 he was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs when the Liberal-National Party Coalition was elected to Government.

Mr Downer is a member of the National Security Cabinet Committee.

Before entering Federal Parliament, Mr Downer held several positions:

  • Economist, Bank of New South Wales (Westpac), from 1975 to 1976;
  • Diplomat, Department of Foreign Affairs from 1976 to 1982, serving at the Australian mission to the EEC; Australian Representation to NATO; Australian Embassy, Belgium and Luxembourg; and Senior Foreign Affairs Representative in South Australia;
  • Political Adviser to the former Prime Minister, the Hon. Malcolm Fraser, and Political Adviser to the Federal Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Andrew Peacock, from 1982 to 1983; and
  • Executive Director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, from 1983 to 1984.

Mr Downer is married to Nicky. They have three daughters, Georgina, Olivia and Henrietta, and one son, Edward.

Parliamentary Service
Elected to the House of Representatives for Mayo, South Australia, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1998, 2001 and 2004.

Ministerial Appointments

  • Minister for Foreign Affairs from 11 March 1996

Committee Service

  • House of Representatives Standing
  • Transport Safety from 28 February 1985 to 19 August 1986
  • Transport, Communications and Infrastructure from 8 October 1987 to 19 February 1990
  • Selection from 1 June 1989 to 19 February 1990
  • Finance and Public Administration from 10 October 1990 to 28 November 1991
  • Banking, Finance and Public Administration from 28 November 1991 to 8 February 1993
  • Joint Statutory
  • Public Accounts from 23 May 1986 to 5 June 1987

Parliamentary Party Position

  • Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party from 23 May 1994 to 30 January 1995
  • Leader of the Opposition from 23 May 1994 to 30 January 1995
  • Member, Opposition Shadow Ministry from 21 April 1987 to 14 August 1987, from 16 September 1988 to 12 May 1989 and from 11 April 1990 to 11 March 1996
  • Shadow Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Environment from 21 April 1987 to 14 August 1987
  • Housing and Small Business from 16 September 1988 to 12 May 1989
  • Trade and Trade Negotiations from 11 April 1990 to 28 April 1992
  • Defence from 28 April 1992 to 7 April 1993
  • Shadow Treasurer from 7 April 1993 to 26 May 1994
  • Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs from 31 January 1995 to 11 March 1996
  • Member, Fightback! Co-ordination and Marketing Group from 28 April 1992 to 7 April 1993
  • Chairperson, Economy, Public Sector and the Law Management Group from 7 April 1993 to 26 May 1994

Qualifications and Occupation before entering Federal Parliament

  • BA(Hons) (Newcastle-on-Tyne)
  • Doctor of Civil Laws (honoris causa)
  • Australian Diplomatic Service 1976-82
  • Political Adviser to Rt Hon. J.M. Fraser, Prime Minister 1982-83
  • Director, Australian Chamber of Commerce (Canberra Secretariat) 1983-84
  • Member, United Farmers and Stockowners
  • Member, Institute of International Affairs
  • Member, National Trust
  • Executive Member, Save the Murray Campaign