HOWARD, John Winston (Howard John Winston)

(p. 1939)
Born July 26, 1939 in Sydney. He holds a Bachelor of Laws at Sydney University, served as legal counsel in the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1962. In 1974, entered politics, represented District Bennelong in parliament as a member of the Liberal Party. During the premiership M. Frazer held ministerial posts, including head of the Federal Treasury (1977-1983). Pursued a policy of decentralization and privatization of industry. In 1982 he was elected Vice Chairman of the Liberal Party, 1985-1989 and 1995-1996 was the leader of the opposition coalition of Liberal and National parties until the final victory over the Labor Party in parliamentary elections in March 1996. Became Prime Minister Howard proposed social security reforms and radical changes in the tax code. In 1998 was re-elected prime minister in early elections.