Charles Edward Barnes was born at Einasleigh, Queensland in 1901 and was educated at Chatswood Preparatory School and Sydney Grammar School. He then worked with the Union Trustee Company in Brisbane for 12 months and later returned to the family property of 'Canning Downs' in Queensland, which his family took over in 1917.

In 1933, Barnes was awarded the Qantas Trophy for meritorious flying. During World War II, he served in Australia and New Guinea with the Administrative and Special Duties Branch of the Royal Australian Air Force (1942-44). After the war, he returned to the family property.

In 1958, Barnes was elected to the House of Representatives as Member for the Queensland seat of McPherson, representing the Australian Country Party. He was Minister for Territories in the Menzies and Holt Governments (1963-68) and, when the portfolio was renamed, became Minister for External Territories (1968-72) in the Gorton and McMahon Governments. He also served on two Parliamentary Select Committees relating to voting rights for Aborigines (1961) and grievances of Yirrkala Aborigines in Arnhem Land (1963).

Barnes was President of the Warwick Show Society and the Warwick Rodeo, Vice-President of the Bloodhorse Breeders' Association of Australia, President of the Downs and South Western District Racing Association. He was also a Director of John A Gilbert Holdings (Sydney) until 1963 when he resigned on appointment to the Ministry.

He retired from federal politics prior to the December 1972 general elections and died in 1998.

Sources:Parliamentary Handbook 1971, pp 28-9; 1973, p 260Who's Who in Australia 1977, p 81