John Howard

Enters federal Parliament

Elected as Liberal MP for Bennelong. Has modest savings from law career but no national recognition outside New South Wales political circles.

Becomes federal Treasurer

Appointed Treasurer under Malcolm Fraser at age 37. Gains prominence within Liberal Party and among political insiders, but remains largely unknown to general public.

Becomes Liberal Party leader

Elected leader of Liberal Party but loses 1987 election badly. Builds national profile but is seen as ineffective, losing leadership in 1989.

Becomes Prime Minister

Defeats Paul Keating to become PM after 13 years of Labor rule. Achieves household name status in Australia and begins building international profile.

GST implementation and Olympics

Successfully introduces controversial Goods and Services Tax. Sydney Olympics boosts his international profile, though he remains primarily known in Australia and Commonwealth nations.

Iraq War commitment

Commits Australian troops to Iraq War alongside US and UK. Strengthens ties with Bush administration, gaining more international recognition but also domestic criticism.

Becomes second-longest serving PM

Surpasses Bob Hawke to become second-longest serving Australian PM after Menzies. Solidifies legacy but public fatigue begins to set in.

Election defeat

Loses election to Kevin Rudd and even loses his own seat. Steps down as Liberal leader but remains influential figure in Australian conservative politics.

Elder conservative statesman

Remains well-known in Australia as longest-serving Liberal PM and active commentator. Respected internationally in Commonwealth and conservative circles, but not a global household name.