Barry MacKinnon


Barry John MacKinnon is a former Australian politician who was a Liberal Party member of the Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 1977 to 1993. He was the state leader of the Liberal Party from 1986 to 1992, although he led the party at only one election. MacKinnon had earlier served as a minister in the governments of Sir Charles Court and Ray O'Connor. He worked as an accountant before entering politics, and since leaving parliament has involved himself in various community organisations.

Early life

MacKinnon was born in Perth to Beryl and Keith MacKinnon, his father being a builder. His uncle, Graham MacKinnon, was a government minister and long-serving Liberal member of the WA Legislative Council, and the two served together in parliament from 1977 to 1986. MacKinnon was raised in Bridgetown, and attended Bridgetown High School before going to Perth to board at Wesley College. He later went on to the University of Western Australia, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Economics and a diploma in accounting. Before entering politics, MacKinnon worked as an accountant. He began as a clerk with Bushells, and subsequently spent several years with a Perth-based firm before starting his own business.

Political career

MacKinnon was elected to the seat of Murdoch in 1977. He switched to the seat of Jandakot in 1989 when Murdoch was abolished. He represented Jandakot until he retired at the 1993 state election.
MacKinnon became Leader of the Opposition in February 1986, replacing Bill Hassell. He served as a shadow to three Labor premiers - Brian Burke, Peter Dowding and Carmen Lawrence - over six years. His replacement, Richard Court, became Premier after only nine months as Opposition Leader.

Honours

In 1997 MacKinnon was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to people with hearing impairments. He also received a Centenary Medal in 2001.