Richard Marles
ALP Federal

Minister for Defence

Very Safe

13.23% Margin

Elected 2007

19 years

Member for Corio (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Richard was born in 1967 to Donald Marles, a former headmaster at Trinity Grammar School, and Fay Marles, a previous Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. Richard grew up in Geelong, VIC, and was educated at Geelong Grammar.

He graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws. At the University of Melbourne, Richard was president of the Student Union and general secretary of the National Union of Students. Richard entered the workforce as a...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for Defence
  • Deputy Prime Minister

Committees

  • Cabinet: Expenditure Review
  • Cabinet: National Security
  • Cabinet: National Security Investment

Key Staff

  • Kate Hanns

    Deputy Chief of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Simon O'Connor

    Director of Policy

    ****@****.gov.au

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

18 February 2008

# Identity # Geelong Development # Australia-PNG Relations

Personal Background and Work Experience

  • Grew up in Geelong, which has a rich industrial identity and is evolving into a metropolitan area connected to Melbourne.
  • Career largely spent in the trade union movement, notably at the Transport Workers Union and ACTU.
  • Acknowledges key figures in the Labor movement who have influenced his path, including Kevin Rudd.

Policy Goals and Values

  • Emphasises maintaining Geelong’s identity as it evolves, aiming for it to be an alternative economic centre rather than an outer suburb of Melbourne.
  • Advocates for Geelong to become a national transport and logistics hub, leveraging its existing infrastructure and skilled workforce.
  • Stresses the importance of a strong national identity for Australia, promoting values such as mateship, egalitarianism, and fairness while recognising past injustices like the White Australia policy.

International Relations and Engagement

  • Highlights the need for Australia to engage more with Papua New Guinea, stressing the importance of partnership and support amidst PNG's challenges.
  • Calls for a national discussion on identity to foster confidence and unity in confronting Australia’s evolving character in a globalised world.

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FAQ

Lucien Wells is Richard Marles' Chief of Staff.

Richard Marles represents the electorate of Corio (VIC) in the Australian Parliament.

Richard Marles is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

Media Releases

Radio Interview, ABC Perth Drive

Media Release • 17 June

Defence Foreign Affairs and Trade Security Alliances

AI Summary

  • Marles welcomes further discussion on AUKUS and believes it has received ample scrutiny.
  • Changes to submarine agreements will streamline operations and maintenance, benefiting Australia financially and operationally.
  • The Submarine Rotational Force-West will begin deploying personnel in significant numbers from the end of next year.
  • Housing for US personnel is progressing well, with Defence Housing Australia ahead of schedule.
  • Marles expresses hope for stability in the Middle East to restore global fuel supply chains.

Doorstop, Rockingham

Media Release • 17 June

Foreign Affairs and Trade International Relations Regional Architecture Defence Contracting Defence Policy Security Alliances National Security

AI Summary

  • Richard Marles welcomed the peace deal in the Middle East, emphasising its importance for regional stability and global fuel supply chains.
  • The US presence at the Bandiana Army base is strategic for logistics, supporting Australia's national security and military capability.
  • Marles highlighted the need for deterrence in the Indo-Pacific due to China's military build-up, reinforcing Australia's commitment to increased defence expenditure.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Defence: Water

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 4 June

Defence National Security

AI Summary

  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of water security for national resilience and defence capabilities.
  • He highlighted the connection between the civil economy and national security, referencing the Defence Strategic Review from 2023.
  • The Minister affirmed ongoing collaboration with various government departments to enhance national defence, including those responsible for water security.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Defence Properties

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 3 June

Defence Defence Forces Defence Policy

AI Summary

  • The Deputy Prime Minister outlined the need to manage Defence properties effectively, highlighting the high maintenance costs of unused properties.
  • He committed to engaging with local communities regarding the future use of HMAS Penguin, following a Defence Estate Audit.
  • Properties will be transferred from Defence to Finance, allowing time for community consultation before any disposal takes place.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 15 June 2026

Defence Defence Forces Security Alliances Industry

AUKUS is already creating Australian jobs and supporting Australian businesses. From Australian companies manufacturing key components, to jobs in STEM and skilled trades, right across the country. We saw a great example of the investment that is being made, visiting QinetiQ in the UK. Earlier this year UK Royal Navy submarine HMS Anson visited HMAS Stirling in Perth to undertake some maintenance and QinetiQ Australia worked with local businesses who played an important role in that. Thanks for showing us around.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 13 June 2026

Emergency Management

If you’re in Highton on the 18th of June, you might hear this sound 🚨AusAlert are currently carrying out community-based trials, and next week there will be one in Geelong! This is a game changer for emergency management. For more information go to www.AusAlert.gov.au
Open Post

Posted on X • 17 February 2026

An honour to meet with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau in Tarawa today to talk about our deep connection with the Pacific and strengthening our relationship.
Open Post

Posted on X • 15 February 2026

Foreign Affairs and Trade Regional Architecture

Another productive day of important discussions and bilateral meetings at the @MunSecConf with some of our partners from Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 15 June 2026

Defence Defence Forces Security Alliances Industry

AUKUS is already creating Australian jobs and supporting Australian businesses. From Australian companies manufacturing key components, to jobs in STEM and skilled trades, right across the country. We saw a great example of the investment that is being made, visiting QinetiQ in the UK. Earlier this year UK Royal Navy submarine HMS Anson visited HMAS Stirling in Perth to undertake some maintenance and QinetiQ Australia worked with local businesses who played an important role in that. Thanks...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 4 June 2026

Defence Security Alliances

So much of Australia’s way of life – our trade routes and resources, communications and access to the internet – largely relies on a free and open Indo-Pacific. Over the weekend US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, UK Defence Secretary John Healey and I announced the first major technology sharing project under the AUKUS agreement — to develop shared systems that will improve our autonomous underwater vehicle capabilities. This will help enhance Australia’s ability to protect our maritime envi...
Open Post