John Faulkner was born in Leeton in south-western New South Wales on 12 April 1954, but has lived most of his life in Sydney. He was educated in the public-school system and at Macquarie University. He was a member of the Macquarie University Council (1984-1992).
He joined the Labor Party as a teenager and has held various positions, including: member, NSW Administrative Committee (1978‑1989), Assistant General Secretary, NSW branch of the ALP (1980-1989); delegate, NSW Annual Conference (since 1975); delegate, National Conference (since 1982); member, ALP National Executive (since 1989).
For four years, John Faulkner worked as a specialist teacher of children with severe disabilities and then worked as a research officer for the NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation.
On 4 April 1989, John Faulkner entered the Australian Senate following the retirement of Senator Arthur Gietzelt. He was elected for further six-year terms in 1993, 1998 and 2004.
After the election in March 1993, Senator Faulkner became a member of the second Keating Ministry as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Minister for Defence Science & Personnel, and Manager of Government Business in the Senate (March 1993-March 1996). On 28 February 1994, he was also appointed Minister for Sport and Territories.
On 25 March 1994, Senator Faulkner moved into Cabinet as Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories.
After the 1996 Federal election, he became Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, and Shadow Minister for Social Security (March 1996-March 1997). He was then appointed Shadow Minister for Public Administration and Government Services (March 1997 to 2001). Senator Faulkner was also given shadow responsibility for Territories (October 1997-October 1998).
After the 1998 Federal election, Senator Faulkner remained Leader of the Opposition in the Senate with portfolio responsibilities of Shadow Minister for Public Administration and Government Services; and Shadow Minister for Olympic Coordination and the Centenary of Federation.
He remained as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate after the 2001 Federal Election.
In the 2001-2004 Parliamentary Term Senator Faulkner held at different times the portfolio responsibilities of Shadow Special Minister of State, Shadow Minister for Public Administration and Accountability, and Shadow Minister for Home Affairs.
After the 2004 election Senator Faulkner stood down as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.
During this period he served on the backbench and was National President of the Australian Labor Party from April 2007 to March 2008.
At the election of the Rudd Government in November 2007, Senator Faulkner was appointed Special Minister of State, Cabinet Secretary and Vice-President of the Executive Council.