He was the Liberal member for Bass Hill in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 1986 to 1988.

He worked as an insurance agent and real estate salesman before entering politics.

He joined the Liberal Party in 1980, and served as Vice-President and then President of the Bankstown Young Liberals; he was also President and Treasurer of the Blaxland Federal Electoral Council and Vice-President of the Bankstown State Electoral Council.

[1] In 1985, Owen was elected to Bankstown City Council at a by-election, representing the Liberal Party.

In 1986, Premier Neville Wran resigned from parliament, triggering a by-election for Bass Hill, a safe Labor seat.