Chris Baker | |
---|---|
Member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly for Joondalup | |
In office 14 December 1996 – 10 February 2001 | |
Preceded by | New seat |
Succeeded by | Tony O'Gorman |
Personal details | |
Born | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | 9 July 1958
Died | 4 August 2023 Perth, Western Australia, Australia | (aged 65)
Political party | Liberal Party |
Spouse | Sarah Jane Rogers |
Children | 1 son and 1 daughter |
Alma mater | University of Queensland Queensland University of Technology |
Christopher John Baker (9 July 1958 – 4 August 2023) was an Australian solicitor and politician who was a member of the Liberal Party, a Member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly (1996–2001), and City of Joondalup councillor (2001–2004).[1] He was a City of Wanneroo Councillor until his death in 2023.[2]
Baker was born in Brisbane and moved to Western Australia in 1989. Prior to entering parliament as the member for the newly created seat of Joondalup, he was a barrister, solicitor and proprietor of a law firm. Baker also served as a Councillor in the Town of Port Hedland from 1994–1996.[1]
In parliament, he was involved in a number of committees, including the Public Accounts Committee. He lost the seat at the February 2001 state election to his Labor rival, Tony O'Gorman.[1]
On 5 May 2001, Baker was elected as councillor for the Marina ward of Joondalup with an overwhelming majority of votes.[3] He was one of a group of councillors who supported the controversial CEO, Denis Smith, and was criticised by the inquiry into the City of Joondalup.[4]
Baker's career as a solicitor has involved practicing law in Darwin, Katherine and Esperance in the late 1980s, and later as proprietor of law firm Chris Baker and Associates. Baker is a Notary Public from the Supreme Court of WA.[1]
On 19 October 2019, Baker was elected as a Councillor at the City of Wanneroo for the North Coast Ward, defeating incumbent Russell Driver by 5.82%, or 1,131 votes, and secured 3.25% more votes than incumbent Natalie Sangalli, who was re-elected to the second vacant position.[5]