It has been held by the Australian Labor Party since it was set up. Western Sydney has supported Labor for over a century. Its most notable member has been Paul Keating, who was Prime Minister of Australia 1991–96. In 2007, Keating's successor, Michael Hatton, lost preselection for this seat to Jason Clare. Clare had worked for former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr. Clare became Cabinet Secretary, Minister for Justice, and Minister for Home Affairs.