Political Career of George Brandis
George Henry Brandis served as an influential figure in Australian politics, primarily representing the Liberal Party of Australia. His political career began in earnest when he was appointed to the Australian Senate in May 2000. This appointment filled the casual vacancy left by the resignation of Warwick Parer.
Brandis's early roles in the Senate included positions such as the Minister for the Arts and Sport during the final year of the Howard Government in 2007. His political acumen became even more prominent when the Coalition returned to power in 2013. At this point, Brandis was appointed as the Attorney-General of Australia, a role he held under both the Abbott Government and the Turnbull Government.
During his tenure as Attorney-General, Brandis became known for his legal reforms and staunch defense of civil liberties. Notably, he was a key figure in the heated discourse surrounding the Racial Discrimination Act, advocating for amendments that he argued would bolster freedom of speech. This advocacy was part of wider discussions on maintaining a balance between anti-discrimination laws and civil liberties. His attempts to amend the Act faced considerable opposition and were ultimately unsuccessful.
Brandis also gained attention for his response to Pauline Hanson wearing a burqa in the Senate as a form of protest. His condemnation of this act, emphasizing the importance of respecting Muslim women, earned him a standing ovation from Labor and Greens Senators.
In addition to his domestic roles, Brandis contributed to international relations. In 2018, he was appointed as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he held until April 2022. This role marked the continuation of his influence in fostering Australia-United Kingdom relations.
Brandis announced his retirement from politics in December 2017, with his departure from the Senate effective from February 2018. Throughout his political career, Brandis was associated with the Moderates faction within the Liberal Party, often advocating for progressive reforms within the party framework.