Don Grimes facts for kids

Donald James Grimes (born October 4, 1937 – died November 20, 2021) was an important Australian politician. He was known as Don Grimes. He served as a Senator for Tasmania from 1974 to 1987. He was a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP).

In the government led by Prime Minister Bob Hawke, Don Grimes held two important jobs. He was the Minister for Social Security from 1983 to 1984. Then he became the Minister for Community Services from 1984 to 1987. Before he became a politician, he worked as a doctor.

Early Life and Education

Don Grimes was born on October 4, 1937, in Albury, New South Wales. He was the older of two children. His father worked on the railways.

Don went to Albury High School for three years. After his mother passed away, he and his sister moved to Sydney. They lived with their aunt. Don finished his schooling at Fort Street High School.

He then went to the University of Sydney to study medicine. He became a doctor in 1962. Don was also very good at sports. He played rugby and Australian rules football.

Medical Career

Don Grimes married Margaret Schofield in 1960. They had four children together. He finished his medical training at Royal North Shore Hospital. He also worked at Royal Hobart Hospital in Tasmania.

He then worked as a temporary doctor in different towns in Tasmania. These included Hobart, New Norfolk, and Launceston. From 1965 to 1966, he lived in London, England. There, he worked as a doctor for a newspaper company.

When he returned to Australia, he worked in Cygnet. Later, he opened his own doctor's office in Riverside, a suburb of Launceston.

Political Career

Don Grimes joined the Australian Labor Party in 1968. He had also joined the British Labour Party when he lived in England.

In 1974, Don Grimes was elected to the Australian Senate. This is part of Australia's Parliament. He started his job right away. In 1976, he was chosen to be part of the "shadow cabinet." This is a group of opposition politicians who watch over government departments. He was in charge of social security matters.

When the Labor Party won the election in 1983, Don Grimes became the Minister for Social Security. This meant he was in charge of government help for people. He also became a leader for the government in the Senate.

In 1984, his job changed slightly. He became the Minister for Community Services. This new role focused on community support. In 1985, he had heart surgery but returned to work a few months later.

In 1986, Don Grimes decided not to run for election again. He left Parliament in April 1987.

Later Life

After leaving Parliament, Don Grimes became Australia's Ambassador to the Netherlands. He held this important job from 1987 to 1991.

In 1992, he received a special award. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to the country.

He continued to serve the community in other ways. He became the chairman of the Australian National Council on AIDS in 1992. He also chaired a health service in Sydney from 1995 to 2004.

Don Grimes passed away on November 20, 2021, at the age of 84.