Born in Murray Bridge, I am a fourth generation South Australian and I am honoured to represent my home state in the Federal Parliament.

While undertaking my studies at the University of Adelaide I worked as a shop assistant, a similar path for many young South Australians today. During my time as a shop assistant I joined the South Australian Shop Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association. This membership signalled the beginning of a 32-year career working for the right of retail and fast food workers across South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Broken Hill.

I was proud to lead this union and am proud to have led campaigns for a 38-hour week for retail workers and universal superannuation.

I was first elected to the Senate in 2008, serving as Minister for Science and Research, Minister for Sport, Minister Assisting on Tourism, and Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water.

Following my first term in the Senate I spent time tending a small vineyard in South Australia’s Clare Valley. This experience has provided me with vital, hands-on experience of the challenges faced by local growers, farmers, viticulturists, and primary producers.

I loved my vineyard and the time I was given with my family, but could not sit back and watch Australian jobs and hard work be tarnished by failures under the former Liberal Governments. I again nominated for the Senate in 2016, knowing that only Labor governments can deliver for everyday, hardworking Australians.

In 2016 I was proudly re-elected to the Senate and settled back in to holding those Liberal Governments to account. In 2022 I was re-elected again as a part of the Albanese Labor Government and proudly serve in the Cabinet as Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Trade and Tourism and Special Minister of State.

Today, I live in Adelaide with my beautiful wife Nimfa, spending my spare time with my three daughters and multiple grandchildren, enjoying the beautiful sites of the Clare Valley and when there is time the occasional Crows game.

Yours faithfully,