There was never going to be a right time for a band that was still recording and had health in its environment, had made a very good record and was playing well.

He has been an Australian Labor Party member of the House of Representatives for the seat of Kingsford Smith New South Wales since October 2004. This referred to the Howard Government's refusal to apologise to Aboriginal Australians for the former policy of removing of Aboriginal children from their families. He served as President of the Australian Conservation Foundation for a total of 10 years and in 2003 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the environment and music industry.

Garrett was lead singer of the rock band Midnight Oil from 1973 until its disbanding in 2002. He has been an Australian Labor Party member of the House of Representatives for the seat of Kingsford Smith New South Wales since October 2004. He served as President of the Australian Conservation Foundation for a total of 10 years and in 2003 was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to the environment and music industry.