November 30, 2007 10:38

Rock star becomes government minister

Singer swaps gigs for cabinet meetings

Peter Garrett, the former singer of rock group Midnight Oil, has been appointed environment minister in the newly-elected Labor government in Australia.

Garrett, who has always taken a keen interest in environmental affairs, shares his portfolio with another minister, who will address issues related to climate change, reports The Guardian.

Midnight Oil formed in the early seventies but enjoyed success predominantly from the 80s onwards, releasing hit albums including 'Red Sails In The Sunset' and the massive-selling 'Diesel And Dust', which spawned the 1989 UK Top Ten single 'Beds Are Burning'.

Garrett - in many ways Australia's answer to Bono both musically and politically - has long been a supporter of environmental issues, including the rights of aboriginal people, while in the band, which he disbanded in 2002 to concentrate on his political career.