Collins, Peter, 1947 –

Peter Collins (1947- ), parliamentarian and lawyer, was born at Lismore, the son of Ronald and Mavis Collins. He was educated at Waverley College and the University of Sydney where he graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws.

He was employed by the Liberal Party of Australia (NSW Division) as a Policy Research Officer in 1972. Collins was a television researcher and reporter from 1973 to 1976 and between 1977 and 1978 was employed as the Public Relations Manager of the Liberal Party. He practiced in Sydney as a Barrister-at-Law between 1978 and 1981.

In 1981 Peter Collins was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly as the Liberal Party Member for the seat of Willoughby. During his period in opposition he held various portfolios in the NSW Coalition' shadow ministry. From 1986 to 1988 he was Deputy Leader of the Opposition.

When a Liberal government was elected in 1988 Collins was appointed Minister for Health (1988-1991) and Minister for the Arts (1988-1995). He was later appointed to various portfolios including Attorney General (1991-1992), Consumer Affairs (1992), State Development (1992) and Treasurer (1993-1995). Collins was Leader of the Opposition between 1995 and 1998.

In 2000 Collins published his autobiography, The bear pit: a life in politics. Peter Collins resigned from Parliament in 2003.