Peter Garrett Net Worth | Celebrity Net Worth

What is Peter Garrett’s net worth?

Peter Garrett, an Australian musician, politician, environmentalist, and activist, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. He is recognized as one of Australia’s most unique cultural and political figures, evolving from a towering rock frontman into a prominent environmental advocate and federal politician. As the lead vocalist of Midnight Oil, he played a crucial role in producing some of Australia’s most impactful protest songs while advocating for environmental and Indigenous rights. The band, which released 11 studio albums, is notably famous for their hit “Beds Are Burning.” They received eleven Australian Recording Industry Association Awards and were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. Additionally, Midnight Oil’s album “Diesel and Dust” was ranked #1 in the book The 100 Best Australian Albums (2010).

Garrett’s shift from music to politics included serving as a minister in two Australian Labor Party governments, where he contributed to significant environmental and educational reforms. His remarkable transition from an activist musician to a parliamentarian underscores his lifelong dedication to social justice and environmental advocacy. He was the President of the Australian Conservation Foundation for a decade and was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia. A member of the Australian Labor Party, he represented the Kingsford Smith electorate in the Australian Parliament from 2004 to 2013. During his time in office, he held the position of Minister for Environmental Protection, Heritage and the Arts from 2007 to 2010, and subsequently served as Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth from 2010 to 2013.

Early Life

Born on April 16, 1963, in Wahroonga, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Garrett had a middle-class upbringing that was marred by tragedy when he lost both parents in separate accidents during his teenage years. He attended Barker College for his secondary education before pursuing arts and law at the Australian National University in Canberra. During his time at university, he became increasingly active in environmental advocacy, joining the anti-uranium mining movement, and began to explore his passion for music, leading to a key meeting with the musicians who would form Midnight Oil.

Midnight Oil

In 1973, Garrett became the formidable 6’4″ frontman of what would evolve into one of Australia’s most influential rock bands. His characteristic bald head, powerful voice, and dynamic stage presence became defining features of Australian rock culture. The band’s politically charged music tackled various issues, such as Indigenous rights, environmental conservation, and nuclear disarmament. Under Garrett’s influence, Midnight Oil crafted anthems like “Beds Are Burning,” “Blue Sky Mine,” and “Power and the Passion.” Their 1987 album “Diesel and Dust” not only garnered international acclaim but also elevated the conversation around Australian Indigenous issues on a global stage. Beyond their music, the band actively engaged in protest performances, including a notable guerrilla concert outside Exxon’s headquarters following the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

Political Career

Garrett made his foray into parliamentary politics in 2004, winning the Sydney seat of Kingsford Smith for the Australian Labor Party after previously serving as president of the Australian Conservation Foundation and being a board member of Greenpeace International. His transition from a grassroots activist to a politician received both acclaim and criticism, particularly as he had to endorse policies that contrasted with his earlier stances. As Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts under Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and later as Minister for School Education under Julia Gillard, Garrett played a pivotal role in implementing policies like the Building the Education Revolution program and the phase-out of electric hot water systems before retiring from politics in 2013, having overseen landmark reforms in environmental and educational arenas.

Personal Life

In spite of his high-profile career, Garrett has managed to maintain a relatively private personal life. He has three daughters with his partner Doris Ricono-Garrett. The family resides on the south coast of New South Wales, where he continues to champion environmental causes. Garrett returned to music in 2016, releasing a solo album titled “A Version of Now” and reuniting with Midnight Oil for several tours and new album releases. He documented his life experiences in his memoir “Big Blue Sky,” published in 2015. Garrett remains engaged in environmental advocacy and occasionally shares his insights on politics, activism, and sustainability through lectures at various institutions. His dedication to service in environmental issues, Indigenous rights, and the arts has earned him numerous accolades, including an Order of Australia.

Real Estate

In 1995, Peter and Doris acquired a 5+ acre property in Mittgong for $531,000 Australian dollars, which they sold in late 2020 for $2.95 million. In January 2020, the couple purchased a three-bedroom home in Annandale, Sydney, for $2.25 million Australian dollars. Previously, they owned a property in Paddington, Sydney, which they bought for $2.7 million in 2015 and sold for $5.25 million.