When Guy Barnett reflects on his journey through Australian public life, from the halls of Parliament to the vegetable patch behind his home, he often returns to where it all began.
“Mum and Dad were a fantastic example of giving back to their local community,” he says. “That helped inspire me, which kicked in at a young age.”
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Barnett has served at both federal and state levels of politics. He represented Tasmania in the Australian Senate from 2002 until 2011, before entering state politics in 2014. He is now Tasmania’s Deputy Premier, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs.
Though his public profile is well established, Barnett is quick to note that much of his work is done behind the scenes. “There’s a lot of paperwork in this game,” he says. “Internal meetings with departments and stakeholders. It’s not public-facing, but still very important.”
His own experience as a small business owner shapes his approach to that portfolio. Before entering politics, Barnett built a company from the ground up, eventually employing 15 staff across two states. “It helps me understand the importance of small business and the challenges they face. They’re the lifeblood of our rural and regional communities,” he says of small businesses. “And they nearly always give back to local charities, community groups and fundraising events.”
Some of Barnett’s most enduring efforts have taken years. He cites the long campaign to see Tasmanian World War II sailor Teddy Sheean posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross as a career highlight. “We had so many knockbacks along the way,” he says. “But it highlights the power of perseverance.”
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Equally personal is his work in diabetes awareness. Living with type 1 diabetes himself, Barnett has been an ambassador for Diabetes Australia for more than 20 years. He co-founded the Pollie Pedal, a three-day charity ride that has raised more than $850,000.
Still, the work is not without strain. “The toughest days are when you’re away from your family,” he says. “And I like to get things done. The wheels of government turn slowly, and that can be frustrating.”
His ties to Hagley, in Tasmania’s north, are deep and enduring. Born and raised at Quamby Estate, Barnett attended the Hagley Farm School, which he continues to support. “I’ve got many happy memories,” he says. “It’s a fantastic school.”
These days, spare moments are spent outdoors, cycling, playing squash or tending to a thriving vegetable garden. “It’s a great release from the pressures and stress of work,” he says. “Plenty of options in kale, silverbeet, lettuce, beans, snow peas, potatoes.”
At the centre of his life is his family. He and his wife, Kate, have been married for 35 years. “She’s like a rock. Unconditional love,” he says. “She inspires me every day.”
Barnett is also an author. His first book, a tribute to Tasmania’s Victoria Cross recipients, is now in its fourth edition. His second, Make a Difference: A Practical Guide to Lobbying, offers advice on how to engage effectively with the government. “It’s sold out,” he says. “It was written to support community groups and others to make their voices heard.”
Asked what advice he would offer to others considering politics, Barnett does not hesitate. “Being proactive in your community, having a voice, is really important,” he says. “We live in a democracy. We have the freedom to put our name forward to represent the public. And I see it as servant leadership.”
As for his favourite part of the Meander Valley, the answer came quickly.
“The Meander River trout fishing,” he says with a smile. “And the Hagley Farm School, of course. I’m a bit biased, but it’s a wonderful place.”
