John Howard is an Australian politician who served as the 25th Prime Minister of Australia from 1996 to 2007. He was the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia and is known for his conservative policies, particularly in economic management and immigration. Howard's government focused on tax reform, industrial relations, and national security. During his time in office, Howard implemented significant changes, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and reforms in the welfare system. He was also involved in Australia's participation in the Iraq War and emphasized strong ties with the United States.