Background
Shearer was born at Whakatane in 1941, the son of Jack Sewell Shearer.
Shearer was born at Whakatane in 1941, the son of Jack Sewell Shearer.
He received his education from Whakatane Primary, Whakatane High School, Massey University, and the University of Nottingham, where he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in science.
He represented the Hamilton East electorate in Parliament from 1975 to 1984, when he was defeated by Bill Dillon. Under Robert Muldoon, he was Minister for the Environment, Minister of Science and Technology, and Minister of Broadcasting. In 1985, Shearer publicly questioned the National Party on membership and finances, which resulted in the suspension of his membership in October of that year.
Although the suspension was lifted, Shearer resigned all his party roles in December 1985.