Career within Commonwealth

The Hon Michael John Duffy, ONZ, was born on 2 March 1938 in Mildura, Victoria. Prior to his election to the House of Representatives for Holt, Victoria, in 1980, he was a practicing solicitor, Delegate to the Victorian ALP State Conference (1971-1980) and a Member of the Victorian ALP Administrative Committee (1973-1976). Duffy was re-elected to the House of Representatives in 1983, 1984, 1987, 1990 and 1993, holding a number of ministerial and committee positions.

Duffy’s first ministerial role was as Minister for Communications (11 March 1983- 24 July 1987), during which time he also served as Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence (13 December 1984- 24 July 1987). Later ministerial roles included Minister for Trade Negotiations (24 July 1987-4 April 1990), Minister Assisting the Minister for Industry, Technology and Commerce (24 July 1987- 4 April 1990), Minister Assisting the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy (24 July 1987- 4 April 1990), and Attorney-General (4 April 1990-24 March 1993).

On 6 February 1990, Duffy was appointed to the Order of New Zealand, in recognition of work on the Closer Economic Relations agreement between Australia and New Zealand.

Duffy’s service on Parliamentary committees included the House of Representatives Standing Committees on Privileges (18 September 1981- 20 October 1981) and Legal and Constitutional Affairs (12 May 1993-29 January 1996). He also served on the Joint Statutory Committees for Public Accounts (26 November 1980-4 February 1983) and National Crime Authority (26 May 1993-7 February 1995), and the Joint Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (10 February 1994-29 January 1996).

Duffy retired from the House of Representatives prior to the 1996 general elections.

Links to other Commonwealth Persons

Publications

End notes

Sources

Parliament of Australia - Parlinfo

http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook/allmps/6G4%22

Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet [New Zealand] - ONZ Biographical Notes website

http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/honours/lists/onzbio