He was the mayor of the City of Melville in Western Australia from 2019 to 2023,[1] and had previously served from 1983 to 1996 in Federal Parliament including as Assistant Treasurer under the Keating government.
He had to fend off spirited challenges from Liberal opponent Ricky Johnston in the next four elections, particularly when his seat started shifting southward toward Mandurah.
During this time he was a member of the House Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration[4] which conducted an extensive Inquiry into Australia's banking system.
He also set up the National Competition Council to arbitrate and ensure access to important infrastructure such as rail lines.
He was also minister in charge of the Foreign Investment Review Board[6] In July 2019, Gear released a media statement[7] declaring his intention to contest the role of Mayor in the City of Melville for the 2019 local government elections.