Kerry Sibraa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kerry Sibraa
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|---|---|
| President of the Senate | |
| In office 17 February 1987 – 31 January 1994 |
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| Preceded by | Doug McClelland |
| Succeeded by | Michael Beahan |
| Senator for New South Wales | |
| In office 13 December 1975 – 30 June 1978 |
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| In office 9 August 1978 – 1 February 1994 |
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| Preceded by | Jim McClelland |
| Succeeded by | Belinda Neal |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 October 1937 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouses |
Yvonne Melvin
(m. 1957; div. 1992)Julie Hatcher
(m. 1993) |
| Occupation | Clerk Trade unionist |
Kerry Walter Sibraa is a well-known Australian politician who is now retired. He was born on October 12, 1937. Mr. Sibraa served as a Senator for New South Wales for many years. He was also the President of the Senate, which is a very important role in the Australian government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kerry Sibraa was born in Sydney, Australia, on October 12, 1937. His mother was Edna May and his father was Arthur Francis Sibraa.
Because his father was a schoolteacher, Kerry moved around a lot when he was a child. He went to different schools in country areas of New South Wales. These included schools in Condobolin, Ungarie, Shortland, and Newcastle. When his family moved back to Sydney, he finished his high school education. He attended Newcastle Boys High School, North Sydney Boys High School, and Manly Boys High School.
After finishing school, Kerry Sibraa started working as a clerk. He worked for the Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board and also for the Manly Municipal Council. He was also involved in a union for council employees. He even helped start a credit union for these workers.
His Time in Politics
Getting Started in Politics
Kerry Sibraa joined the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in 1960. This was the start of his long career in politics. He first tried to become a Member of Parliament in the 1966 federal election. He ran for the area of Wentworth, but he did not win that time.
After that, he started working full-time for the ALP. He held different important jobs within the party. These included being an organiser, an administrative officer, and an assistant general secretary.
Serving as a Senator
Kerry Sibraa became a Senator for New South Wales. He served two terms in the Senate. His first term was from December 13, 1975, to June 30, 1978. He then served again from August 9, 1978, until February 1, 1994.
During his time as a Senator, he was chosen for a very important position. He became the President of the Senate. He held this role from February 17, 1987, to January 31, 1994. The President of the Senate is like the speaker of the Senate, making sure debates run smoothly.
After Parliament
After leaving the Australian Parliament, Kerry Sibraa continued to serve his country. He became the Australian High Commissioner to Zimbabwe. This means he was Australia's top diplomat in that country. He held this role from March 1994 until February 1998.
Mr. Sibraa has received special awards for his service. On January 26, 1997, he was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. This award recognized his contributions to the Australian Parliament, to international relations, and to the community. On January 1, 2001, he also received the Centenary Medal.
Later, he worked as a special advisor for a company that helps with public relations and government connections.
Personal Life
Kerry Sibraa has been married twice. In 1957, he married Yvonne Melvin. They had two children together. They later divorced in 1992. The following year, in 1993, he married Julie Hatcher.
