Gary Johns is an Australian academic, former politician, and public commentator who has held various influential roles in the public sphere. Born in 1952, Johns has been known for his expertise in public policy, notably in the areas of indigenous affairs, welfare, and social policy.
In the political realm, Gary Johns served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives from 1987 to 1996, representing the division of Petrie in Queensland. During his political career, he was associated with the Australian Labor Party. Following his political tenure, Johns transitioned into academia and became a prominent Australian think tank executive, serving as the President of the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) from 1997 to 2004. As an academic and researcher, he has authored numerous publications and articles on various social and policy issues.
Gary Johns has been recognized for his controversial and conservative viewpoints, often espousing counter-narratives to prevailing public opinions. His perspectives on issues such as welfare dependency, indigenous rights, and immigration have sparked debates and generated both praise and criticism. He has been regarded as a provocative and challenging figure in Australian public discourse, known for his confrontational style of argumentation and a penchant for dismantling conventional wisdom.
Overall, as a figure of influence in Australian politics and academia, Gary Johns has left a significant impact through his contributions to policy debate and his unorthodox views on various societal issues.
