Ex-rocker joins Australian cabinet

SYDNEY, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Former Midnight Oil front man Peter Garrett has been appointed environment minister by Australian Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd, it was reported Thursday.

Rudd, who has not yet taken office, has targeted the environment one of his top three priorities, along with the Australian economy and its education system.

Garrett, who had an international hit with the song "Beds Are Burning," has been a Labor Party member of Parliament since 2004, the BBC reported.

Previously, the ex-rocker had belonged to various minor parties, such as the Nuclear Disarmament Party, the Web site Undercover.com reported.

Midnight Oil, which has performed just twice since Garrett went into politics, was known for its socially conscious bent, including Australian indigenous issues. It has sold millions of albums worldwide, Undercover.com said.