Biography

Parliamentary service

• Chosen by the Parliament of Queensland on 31.7.2001 under section 15 of the Constitution to represent that State in the Senate, vice J Woodley (resigned). Defeated at general elections 2004.

Parliamentary positions

• Temporary Chair of Committees from 17.10.2002 to 30.6.2005.

Committee service

• Senate Legislative and General Purpose Standing: Economics: Legislation served as Substitute member from 9.8.2001 to 19.9.2001; Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport: Legislation served from 9.8.2001 to 30.6.2005; Employment, Workplace Relations, Small Business and Education: Legislation served as Substitute member from 9.8.2001 to 8.10.2001; Employment, Workplace Relations, Small Business and Education: References served as Substitute member from 9.8.2001 to 8.10.2001; Education, Employment and Workplace Relations: Legislation served as Substitute member from 13.2.2002 to 31.8.2004; Education, Employment and Workplace Relations: References served as Substitute member from 13.2.2002 to 31.8.2004; Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts: References served as Chair from 27.3.2003 to 22.6.2005; Finance and Public Administration: References served as Substitute member from 27.3.2003 to 26.6.2003; Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts: Legislation served as Substitute member from 13.8.2003 to 31.8.2004; Economics: Legislation served as Substitute member from 18.9.2003 to 19.2.2004; Finance and Public Administration: Legislation served as Substitute member from 13.5.2004 to 15.6.2004; Economics: Legislation served as Substitute member from 17.6.2004 to 21.6.2004; Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts: Legislation served as Substitute member from 18.11.2004 to 30.6.2005; Education, Employment and Workplace Relations: Legislation served as Substitute member from 18.11.2004 to 30.6.2005; Education, Employment and Workplace Relations: References served as Substitute member from 18.11.2004 to 30.6.2005; Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts: References served from 23.6.2005 to 23.6.2005
• Senate Select: Superannuation served from 20.8.2002 to 10.9.2003

Parliamentary party positions

• Australian Democrats. Served: 31.07.2001 to 30.06.2005
• Australian Democrats Spokesperson on Employment and Employment Services; Family and Community Services (including Child Care and Child Support); Regional Development and Services; Rural Affairs; Trade from 9.8.2001 to 1.7.2002.
• Australian Democrats Spokesperson on Communications and Broadcasting (excluding Telecommunications); Employment and Employment Services; Family and Community Services (excluding Child Care and Child Support); Regional Development; Rural Affairs; Social Security and Income Support; Superannuation from 1.7.2002 to 21.8.2002.
• Australian Democrats Spokesperson on Communications and Broadcasting; Employment and Employment Services; Family and Community Services (including Child Care and Child Support); Regional Development; Rural Affairs; Social Security and Income Support; Superannuation from 21.8.2002 to 24.10.2002.
• Australian Democrats Spokesperson on Agriculture; Broadcasting and Communications; Charities; Employment and Employment Services; Regional Development and Services; Superannuation from 24.10.2002 to 14.3.2005.
• Australian Democrats Spokesperson on Employment and Employment Services; Family and Community Services (including Child Care and Child Support); Regional Development and Services; Rural Affairs; Trade; Housing from 2.4.2004 to 14.3.2005.
• Australian Democrats Spokesperson on Broadcasting and Communications; Charities; Employment and Employment Services; Housing; Regional Development and Services; Superannuation from 14.3.2005 to 30.6.2005.

Party positions

• Member of the Australian Democrats Leader's Campaign Strategy Group from 1994 to 2001.
• Senate candidate for the Australian Democrats (Qld), 1998.
• Member of the Australian Democrats National Executive from 1999 to 2001.
• Deputy President of the Australian Democrats (Qld) from 1999 to 2000.
• Deputy National President of the Australian Democrats from 1999 to 2000.

Personal

• Born: 22.5.1965, Kilcoy, Australia
• Gender: Male
• Marital Status: Partner

Qualifications and occupation before entering Federal Parliament

• BEc (University of Queensland).
• LLB (University of Queensland).
• MPA (University of Queensland).
• Projects Officer for the Armed Forces Federation, 1987.
• Journalist for the Townsville Bulletin from 1987 to 1988.
• Industrial Officer for the State Public Services Federation from 1988 to 1993.
• Senior Adviser (Economic Policy) to the Leader of the Australian Democrats from 1993 to 2001.

Publications

• Government for all the people: a proposal to reform the House of Representatives, Australian Democrats, Canberra: 1999.