Stephen Smith

Who is Stephen Smith?

Stephen Francis Smith is a former Australian politician who was a Labor member of the Australian House of Representatives from March 1993 to August 2013, representing the Division of Perth in Western Australia. His last ministerial appointment was the Minister for Defence, and he also served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Trade at various stages.

Smith was born in Narrogin, Western Australia, and was educated at CBC Highgate, the University of Western Australia and the University of London, where he earned a master's degree in law. He was a solicitor, lecturer and tutor before entering politics. He was principal private secretary to the Western Australian Attorney-General, Joe Berinson 1983–87 and State Secretary of the Western Australian Labor Party 1987–90 From 1990 to 1993 he was an adviser to Paul Keating, first as Treasurer, then as Prime Minister. He was instrumental in securing caucus support in order for Keating to defeat Bob Hawke for the Labor Party leadership in 1990 and thereby allowing Keating to ascend to the prime ministership.