Barnard Family

Eric Barnard, Minister for Primary Industry, 1976 (AOT, PH30/1/1997)

The Barnard family's political dynasty began with Herbert Claude Barnard (Claude) (1890–1957). Born at Mole Creek, he represented Bass for Labor in the House of Representatives 1934–49, and sat in the Tasmanian House of Assembly from 1950 until his death. Lance Herbert Barnard (1919–97), from Launceston, won his father's federal seat in 1954, spending years in opposition until Labor's 1972 electoral victory. He was Whitlam's Deputy Prime Minister until 1974. After his 1975 resignation, he served as ambassador to Sweden, Norway and Finland until 1978.

Eric Walter Barnard (b 1924) is a nephew of Claude and cousin of Lance. A Labor MHA for Franklin 1959–79, his many portfolios included three years as Speaker. Michael Thomas Claude Barnard (1942–99), grandson of Claude and nephew of Lance, topped the Bass poll when running for the House of Assembly in 1969, and became one of the state's longest-serving tourism ministers. His 1984 retirement ended the Barnard family's decades of political representation.

Further reading: ADB 13; Tasmanian Parliamentary Library, Biographical information file.

Wendy Rimon