David Bartlett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Bartlett
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Bartlett in 2007
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| 43rd Premier of Tasmania | |
| In office 26 May 2008 – 23 January 2011 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor | Peter Underwood |
| Deputy | Lara Giddings |
| Preceded by | Paul Lennon |
| Succeeded by | Lara Giddings |
| Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly for Denison |
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| In office 1 April 2004 – 13 May 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Jim Bacon |
| Succeeded by | Graeme Sturges |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 January 1968 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Political party | Labor Party |
| Spouse | Larissa Bartlett (née Marris) |
| Children | Hudson and Matilda Bartlett |
| Alma mater | University of Tasmania |
| Profession | Public servant |
| Website | www.davidbartlett.com.au |
David John Bartlett (born 19 January 1968) is an Australian who used to be a politician in the state of Tasmania. He served as the 43rd Premier of Tasmania from May 2008 until January 2011. He was a member of the Labor Party. He represented the area of Denison in the Tasmanian House of Assembly from 2004 to 2011.
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David Bartlett's Early Life and Education
David Bartlett grew up in Moonah and Mount Nelson in Tasmania. He went to Mount Nelson Primary School. For his high school years, he attended Taroona High School and Hobart College.
He then studied at the University of Tasmania. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He also completed a Graduate Diploma of Business in Professional Management. Before becoming a politician, he worked in technology. He also worked for the government. He was a manager at the Tasmanian Innovation Centre. He also advised a former Tasmanian treasurer, David Crean.
Starting His Political Career
David Bartlett first became a member of parliament in 2004. This happened after the Premier at the time, Jim Bacon, resigned due to illness. In April 2008, David Bartlett became the Deputy Premier of Tasmania. This means he was the second-in-command.
Then, on May 26, 2008, he became the Premier of Tasmania. He took over from Paul Lennon. As Premier, he was the leader of the state government. He was re-elected in the 2006 election. He received many votes in his area, Denison. After this, he became the Minister for Education and Skills. This role meant he was in charge of schools and training. He also served on several important committees in parliament.
Becoming Premier of Tasmania
On May 26, 2008, Paul Lennon announced he would step down as Premier. David Bartlett was then sworn in as the new Premier. The Governor of Tasmania, Peter Underwood, officially appointed him. This happened after his party chose him as their leader.
During the March 2010 election, no single party won enough seats to form a government alone. This is called a hung parliament. The Labor Party, led by Bartlett, and the Liberal Party each won 10 seats. The Green Party won 5 seats. David Bartlett had to work with the Greens to form a government. This led to a special agreement between Labor and the Greens. They decided to work together. This allowed David Bartlett to continue as Premier.
Key Achievements as Premier
During his time as Premier, David Bartlett achieved several important things. His government set up an integrity commission. This group helps ensure fair and honest government. They also introduced new laws for freedom of information. These laws make it easier for people to get information from the government.
Tasmania was also the first state to get the National Broadband Network. This project brought fast internet to many homes. Bartlett also promoted Tasmania as a "national food bowl." This idea highlighted Tasmania's ability to produce a lot of food. However, some of his plans for education and forestry were debated.
Why He Left Politics
David Bartlett announced he was resigning as Premier on January 23, 2011. He shared this news on Facebook. He said he was leaving for family reasons. His Deputy Premier, Lara Giddings, became the new Premier.
After stepping down as Premier, Bartlett stayed in parliament for a while. He was appointed as the Attorney-General and Justice Minister. This meant he was the chief legal advisor to the government. However, he later decided to leave parliament completely. He resigned on May 13, 2011.
His Life Outside Politics
David Bartlett is married to Larissa. They have two children, named Hudson and Matilda. He also served as the president of the Hobart Chargers basketball club. He held this position from 2016 to 2019.
