37 Facts About Christopher Pyne

Christopher Maurice Pyne was born on 13 August 1967 and is a retired Australian politician.

In 2007, Christopher Pyne was given the portfolios of Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Ageing while serving in the Howard government, which he held until the Liberal-National Coalition's loss at the 2007 election.

Christopher Pyne retired from politics at the 2019 Australian federal election.

The fifth and youngest child of ophthalmic surgeon, Remington Christopher Pyne and his wife Margaret, Christopher Pyne was born in Adelaide, South Australia in 1967.

Christopher Pyne was educated at Saint Ignatius' College and the University of Adelaide, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and was President of Adelaide University Liberal Club from 1987 to 1988.

Christopher Pyne attained a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of South Australia in 1991.

Christopher Pyne was a research assistant to Senator Amanda Vanstone and later became President of the South Australian Young Liberals from 1988 to 1990.

Christopher Pyne was pre-selected as the Liberal candidate for the safe Labor seat of Ross Smith at the 1989 state election but was defeated by the sitting member and Premier of South Australia, John Bannon.

Christopher Pyne earned a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the University of South Australia and began practising as a solicitor in 1991.

At the 1993 election, aged 25, Christopher Pyne was elected to the South Australian Division of Sturt in the House of Representatives.

Christopher Pyne had earlier defeated Sturt incumbent Ian Wilson in a Liberal pre-selection ballot for the seat.

Christopher Pyne is a republican and established himself as a member of the moderate, "small-l liberal" faction of the Liberal Party, supporting then Deputy Leader Peter Costello.

Christopher Pyne remains a close ally of state Liberal Vickie Chapman.

In 1994, after serving as a backbencher for a period, Christopher Pyne was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Minister for Social Security.

Christopher Pyne retained this position after John Howard was elected as leader, and up to the 1996 election.

Christopher Pyne chaired the Australia Israel Parliamentary group from 1996 to 2004.

Christopher Pyne served as a Parliamentary Secretary until 30 January 2007 when he was appointed Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing.

Christopher Pyne came close to losing Sturt at the 2007 election to Labor candidate Mia Handshin, after suffering a 5.9 percent two-party swing to finish with a 0.9 percent two-party margin, which made Sturt the most marginal seat in South Australia.

Julie Bishop prevailed with 44 votes, ahead of Andrew Robb who won 25 votes, while Christopher Pyne came third with 18 votes.

Christopher Pyne was reappointed as Manager of Opposition Business in the House and Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training by Tony Abbott after he deposed Turnbull at the 2009 Liberal leadership ballot.

Christopher Pyne was re-elected at the 2010 election, receiving a 2.5 percent two-party swing to finish with a marginal 53.4 percent two-party vote, which made neighbouring Boothby the most marginal seat in South Australia.

Christopher Pyne was re-appointed as Manager of Opposition Business in the House and Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training.

Christopher Pyne was re-elected to Sturt at the 2013 election, receiving a 6.5 percent two-party swing to finish with a 60.1 percent two-party vote, making Sturt a safe Liberal seat on paper.

Christopher Pyne was elevated to the Cabinet of Australia on 18 September 2013 as Leader of the House and Minister for Education in the Abbott government.

Christopher Pyne attempted to reform the university sector to introduce market principles but was rejected by the Senate.

In May 2014, Christopher Pyne suggested that HECS debts should be reclaimed from the estates of deceased students.

Christopher Pyne retained Sturt at the 2016 election for the Liberals with a 55.9 percent two-party vote from a 4.2 percent two-party swing, reducing the seat from a safe to marginal status.

Christopher Pyne has stated he has always been in favour of same-sex marriage.

On 2 March 2019 Christopher Pyne announced that he would not recontest the seat of Sturt at the next federal election; and would retire from politics.

Christopher Pyne was listed on the South Australian lobbyist register on 26 July 2019 as a co-owner of GC Advisory Pty Ltd, which he co-owns with Adam Howard.

Christopher Pyne praised Prime Minister Scott Morrison's leadership and COVID policy, as well as the Foreign Relations Act.

Christopher Pyne was praised for "accurately depicting the Australian perspective on the Indo-Pacific and Australia's national security interests".

Since retiring from Parliament in April 2019, Christopher Pyne has chaired the strategic advisory and public affairs firm, Christopher Pyne and Partners operating offices in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide.

Since late 2020, Christopher Pyne has taken on roles in the Australian defence industry.

Christopher Pyne is chairman of the advisory board of Australia's largest Australian owned small arms and munitions company Nioa, and chairman of the advisory board of the Australian Missile Corporation.

Christopher Pyne sits on the board of ASX Listed, Xtek Ltd, a Canberra-based body armour and unmanned Vehicle manufacturer and supplier globally.

Apart from not for profit, Vision2020Australia, Christopher Pyne is the Chairman of the SA Governors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia, and an Ambassador of the Adelaide Football Club.