Peter Garrett, the Australian Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts was formerly the frontman for the band Midnight Oil.

The band's music reflected Garrett's activist stance, and received international recognition for their song The Bed is Burning, which addressed the issue of land rights for Australia's indigenous people. Garrett left the band in 2002, to focus on environmental activism full time.

Garrett has had a long history of working on environmental issues, having been a member of Greenpeace and a past president (twice) of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

In March 2009, it was announced Garrett had rejoined Midnight Oil to perform at a benefit concert to help raise money for victims of Australian wildfires, which killed over 200 people in February.Associated Press: Australian minister rejoins Midnight Oil rock band (March 12, 2009)

1. Full name: Peter Robert Garret
2. Born: April 16, 1953
3. Birthplace: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
4. Resides: Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
5. Political party: Australian Labor Party
6. Married: Doris, 1986
7. Children: Emily, May, Grace
8. Alma mater: Australian National University, University of New South Wales
9. Occupation: Attorney, Politician, Activist, Musician
10. Australian House of Representatives member for Kingsford Smith since 2004
11. Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts since 2007
12. Religious Affiliation: Christian
13. Awards: Australian Humanitarian Foundation Award in the Environment, Order of Australia

• On Midnight Oil's induction into this ARIA hall of Fame: "We always tried to make music with words that spoke to the times and with actions that backed up the words, so it's a mighty honour (sic) to be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame after more than 25 years of writing and performing together..." —Peter Garrett

• 1953: Born on April 16 in Sydney, Australia.

• 1976: Begins performing as lead singer with Midnight Oil.

• 1984: Ran for Parliament as a candidate for the Nuclear Disarmament Party, and lost.

• 2002: Leaves the band to focus on environmental activism.

• 2003: Awarded the Order of Australia.

• 2004: Is elected Australian House of Representatives member for Kingsford Smith on October 9.

• 2007: Is appointed Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts on December 3.