John Winston Howard was the 25th Prime Minister of Australia, serving from 1996 to 2007, making him the second-longest serving prime minister in Australian history. A member of the Liberal Party, he entered politics in 1974 as the Member for Bennelong, holding the seat until 2007. His tenure was marked by conservative policies and economic reforms, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2000, privatization of government assets, strong support for free-market policies, and close ties to media moguls like Rupert Murdoch. Howard's government navigated Australia's economic boom during the 2000s, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and reducing national debt. Internationally, he was a key ally of the United States, committing Australian troops to the Iraq War in 2003 and the War on Terror, which bolstered the Australia-US alliance but drew domestic criticism. His leadership style was characterized by pragmatism and a focus on 'middle Australia,' appealing to suburban voters through policies on family values, border protection, and indigenous affairs. Notable controversies included the 2001 Tampa affair, where his government refused asylum seekers' boat entry, and the 2004 reelection amid debates over work choices and climate change skepticism. Post-retirement, Howard has remained influential as a conservative elder statesman, authoring memoirs and advising on policy. He was awarded the Order of Merit in 2012 and continues to comment on Australian politics, often critiquing progressive shifts. Born into a middle-class family in Sydney, Howard's early life was shaped by World War II experiences, with his father serving in the military. He rose through the Liberal Party ranks, serving as Treasurer under Malcolm Fraser from 1977 to 1983 before becoming party leader in 1995.