Barrie Cassidy: Bio, Age, Parents, Wife, Books, Children
June 25, 2024Barrie Cassidy (born 4 March 1950) is an Australian journalist, host, presenter, and commentator. He is best known for contributing to Australian journalism and his political views.
His extensive experience in political journalism and his time in the press secretary role have given him a unique understanding of politics and governance. He has shaped the Australian political landscape through his views and discourse on politics.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Name: | Barrie Cassidy |
| Born: | 4 March 1950 (74 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Education: | Rutherglen High School |
| Parents: | Bill Cassidy (father) Myra Cassidy (mother) |
| Siblings: | Ron Cassidy (Brother) Bill Cassidy (Brother) Brian Cassidy (Brother) Graham Cassidy (Brother) Pam Cassidy (Sister) |
| Occupation: | Journalist, television host, radio host, commentator |
| Years active: | 1969-date |
| Spouse: | Heather Ewart |
| Children: | Adam Cassidy (son) Caitlin Cassidy (daughter) |
Early Life
Barrie Cassidy was born on 4 March 1950 to Bill and Myra Cassidy in Wangaratta, northeast of Victoria, Australia. His father served in the Australian Army during WW2.
Cassidy grew up in a family of six children, having four brothers, Ron, Bill, Brian, and Graham, and one sister, Pam, in the Victorian town of Chiltern. He attended Rutherglen High School.
Where has Barrie Cassidy worked?
Barrie Cassidy’s journalism career began in 1969 as a cadet reporter at the Albury Border Morning Mail.
After honing his skills for about a year, Cassidy relocated to the Shepparton News, where he continued to build his expertise. His next move was to the Melbourne Herald, where he was appointed court reporter, marking a significant milestone in his journey as a journalist.
Barrie served as the press secretary to former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke from 1986 to 1991, playing a critical role in shaping the government’s message and narrative.
Before entering the world of politics, Cassidy honed his skills as a journalist at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). He began by covering state politics, then moved to Canberra in 1979 to become ABC’s federal political correspondent, reporting for radio and television.
In 1986, Cassidy received a significant offer from Prime Minister Bob Hawke to serve as his personal press secretary. He accepted the role and remained in the position until 1991, when Paul Keating succeeded Hawke as leader.
Cassidy worked as a correspondent for The Australian newspaper before transitioning to television. He hosted Network Ten’s Last Shout and Meet the Press programs. He then returned to the ABC, succeeding Paul Lyneham as the host of The 7.30 Report.
Cassidy and his wife, Heather Ewart, were appointed as European correspondents, sharing the role from Brussels.
Barrie has been a fixture on Australian television for decades. He hosted the Sunday morning political discussion show ABC’s Insiders since its debut in 2001 and presented the final episode in 2019.
The journalist hosted the sports panel show Offsiders until 2013 when he stepped down to focus on writing The Party Thieves.
Cassidy briefly co-hosted ABC News Breakfast alongside Virginia Trioli in 2008. He has also appeared on other TV shows, including The Games in 1998.
Barrie Cassidy has received many accolades for his contributions to journalism. He bagged a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Quill Awards, presented by the Melbourne Press Club on 15 March 2019.
In 2020, ABC announced that Cassidy would take the helm as host of the in-depth interview program One Plus One.
Cassidy has been vocal about his political views and publicly opposed Donald Trump’s candidacy in the 2016 US presidential election. He doubted his chances of success.
Besides his journalism work, Cassidy has authored books, including “The Party Thieves,” which provides a unique perspective on the 2010 Australian federal election.
Personal Life
Barrie Cassidy is married to award-winning journalist Heather Ewart. They have two children, Adam Cassidy and Caitlin Cassidy, and a grandson, Quinn. Their children have followed in their footsteps. His son, Adam, works for the International Cricket Council, and his daughter, Caitlin, is a columnist.
Cassidy has a passion for horse racing and is a dedicated supporter of the Collingwood Football Club. He is also an avid jogger, running almost daily.
References
- Natasha Johnson. “Barrie Cassidy presents final episode of ABC’s Insiders program“. ABC News.
- Caitlin Cassidy. “Collingwood entered my family’s life by chance in 1955. Now we need the stars to align again“. The Guardian.
- “Barrie Cassidy: my mother’s confession“. www.smh.com.au.
