Barry Wakelin | |
|---|---|
| Member of theAustralian Parliament forGrey | |
| In office 13 March 1993 – 17 October 2007 | |
| Preceded by | Lloyd O'Neil |
| Succeeded by | Rowan Ramsey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1946-05-07)7 May 1946 |
| Died | 19 December 2023(2023-12-19) (aged 77) |
| Party | Liberal Party of Australia |
| Occupation | Farmer, businessman |
Barry Hugh WakelinOAM (7 May 1946 – 19 December 2023) was an Australian politician, who was aLiberal member of theAustralian House of Representatives from March 1993 until November 2007, representing theDivision of Grey,South Australia.[1] He was born inKimba, South Australia, and was a farmer and small businessman before entering politics. In 1993, he stood as the Liberal candidate in Grey, historically one of the few country seats whereLabor consistently did well. He became only the fifth non-Labor member to win it, and the second in 50 years.
While Wakelin's win was considered an upset, the election came at a very bad time for Labor in South Australia. The incumbent state Labor government was still reeling from the collapse of theState Bank of South Australia, and would be heavily defeated at the state election heldlater in 1993. At that latter election, Labor lost all but one seat within Grey's borders.
In 1996, Wakelin became the first non-Labor member in 53 years to be re-elected to Grey. He picked up a large swing of over six percent amid that year's decisive Coalition victory, turning Grey into a safe Liberal seat in one stroke. He held it without difficulty until his retirement in 2007.
He was father ofTen News reporter James Wakelin and father-in-law ofTen News presenterRebecca Morse.[citation needed]
Barry Wakelin died on 19 December 2023 aged 77.[2]
| Parliament of Australia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member forGrey 1993–2007 | Succeeded by |
