Robert Hill (Australian politician)

Robert Murray Hill (born 25 September 1946), Australian politician, has been a Liberal member of the Australian Senate since July 1981, representing South Australia. He was born in Adelaide, South Australia, and was educated at the University of Adelaide and London University, where he gained a masters degree in law. His father, Murray Hill, was a prominent Liberal member of the South Australian Legislative Council. He was a barrister and solicitor before entering politics.

Hill was Vice-President of the Liberal Party in South Australia 1977-79 and President 1985-87. He was a member of the Liberal Party's Federal Executive 1985-87 and 1990-93. He was a member of the Opposition Shadow Ministry 1988-96, holding senior portfolios such as Foreign Affairs 1989-93, Defence 1993-94 and Education, Science and Technology 1994-96. He was Leader of the Opposition in the Senate 1990-96.

Hill has been Leader of the Government in the Senate since March 1996. He was Minister for the Environment 1996-98 and Minister for the Environment and Heritage 1998-2001. He has been Minister for Defence since November 2001. Like many South Australian Liberals, Hill belongs to the liberal or moderate wing of the Liberal Party and has never been close to the Prime Minister, John Howard. After the 2004 election there were reports that Howard wanted Hill to leave the ministry and take a diplomatic posting, but Hill reportedly refused to go. In July 2005 the Coalition parties will take control of the Senate and Hill will become the first Government Leader in the Senate since 1981 to command a majority in the chamber.