Barry was founding member of the Fitzroy Residents Association and Fitzroy city councillor 1972–1976. He was very active in campaigning against the high rise Housing Commission of Victoria flats being built in the 1950s and 1960s.

Barry and his wife Margaret contributed to the Fitzroy History Society Oral History Project, and you can read their interview on the website. https://fitzroyhistorysociety.org.au/oral-history-barry-and-margaret-pullen/

Barry joined the Labor Party in 1968 and was Minister for Housing and Construction from 1988 to 1990. Additionally, he was appointed as Minister for Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Minister for the Arts in 1989. In 1990, he became Minister for Education, then Minister for Education and Training in 1991, as well as Minister for Conservation and Environment in 1992. He retired from Parliament in 1999, but remained active in the local community and the Australian Labor Party.

Barry died on 27 June 2024, at the age of 84

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