[1] While studying, Birrell worked for Senator Alan Missen and also served terms as president of the Victorian and federal Young Liberals.
[3] When long serving MP William Campbell resigned his safe Legislative Council seat of East Yarra Province in 1983, Birrell won Liberal preselection and succeeded him as its member.
As minister he oversaw the State's first "Science, Engineering and Technology policy," legislating for 7-day shop trading, and overseeing a successful investment attraction program.
[3] After the defeat of the Kennett Government at the 1999 election, Birrell continued as Liberal Upper House leader and served as shadow Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.
[6] Widespread media commentary called for him to switch to the lower house and take the Leadership of the Victorian Liberal Party as his predecessor Sir Rupert Hamer had done.
Birrell was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours,[15][16] recognised for "significant service to the infrastructure sector, and to business."