Later Career of George Brandis
In the later phase of his career, George Brandis transitioned from his long-standing political pursuits to a diplomatic role. After serving as an influential member of the Australian Senate representing Queensland from 2000 to 2018, Brandis was appointed as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a role he held from 2018 to 2022. This appointment marked a significant shift from his previous responsibilities as a member of the Liberal Party of Australia.
During his time as High Commissioner, Brandis focused on strengthening the diplomatic relations between Australia and the United Kingdom, navigating the post-Brexit landscape which posed numerous challenges and opportunities for bilateral trade and political collaboration. His tenure was characterized by efforts to reinforce ties in areas such as trade, security, and cultural exchange.
Prior to this diplomatic role, Brandis had been a prominent figure in Australian politics, notably serving as the Attorney-General of Australia from 2013 to 2017. During his time as Attorney-General, he made several high-profile appointments which included placing Theo Tavoularis, a Liberal Party donor, as a member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, demonstrating his influence in both legal and political spheres.
Brandis' later career also saw him embroiled in the so-called "Brandis-Gleeson affair," a public conflict with Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson over legal interpretations which culminated in Gleeson's resignation. This event highlighted the complexities and tensions often present in high-level governmental roles.
His legacy includes significant contributions to the arts and legal reforms in Australia. For instance, as Minister for the Arts, he implemented policies that had lasting impacts on the funding and governance of cultural institutions within Australia, although not without controversy relating to funding cuts to the Australia Council.
Overall, George Brandis' later career is a testament to his adaptability and enduring influence in Australian political and diplomatic arenas, underscoring his role in shaping the nation's legal and cultural landscape.