Richard Marles
ALP Federal

Minister for Defence

Very Safe

12.8% Margin

Elected 2007

18 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 and was educated at Geelong Grammar.

He graduated the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws, At Melbourne University, Richard was president of the Student Union there as well as 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

Key Staff

  • Lily Cassidy

    Media Adviser

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    Media Director

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First Speech in Parliament

18 February 2008

# Identity # Mateship # Engagement with PNG

Personal Background and Values

  • Richard Marles emphasizes the importance of identity, particularly in relation to Indigenous Australians and the broader Australian identity.
  • He shares his deep connection to Geelong, its historical identities, and expresses a vision for its future as a vibrant economic center.
  • His commitment to mateship and egalitarianism reflects his belief in collective action and public policy rooted in these values.

Policy Interests and Future Agenda

  • Advocates for Geelong to become a transport and logistics hub, leveraging infrastructure and promoting itself as a lifestyle city.
  • Highlights the need for Australia to engage with Papua New Guinea (PNG), stressing it as a national interest and a responsibility to support its development.
  • Calls for a national discussion on identity, acknowledging the dual aspects of Australian character, the need for confidence, and the importance of mateship in shaping public policy.

Acknowledgment of Influences and Support

  • Thanks key figures in the Labor Party, the union movement, and personal connections for their support, underscoring the role of community in his political journey.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

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

Richard Marles is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

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Media Releases

Honouring and reflecting on those who have served

Media Release • 25 April

Defence Veterans Affairs Defence Forces

AI Summary

  • Commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings on Anzac Day.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles highlight the importance of remembering Defence personnel's sacrifices.
  • Tribute paid to the 103,000 Australians who lost their lives in service.
  • Nationwide dawn services held to honour current and former Defence Force members and their families.
  • Call to continue providing support and recognition for veterans and their families.

Albanese Government grows and accelerates Defence spending

Media Release • 25 March

Defence Defence Forces Defence Policy

AI Summary

  • Albanese Government to invest an additional $50.3 billion in Defence, totalling $57.6 billion over the next decade.
  • $1 billion to be brought forward for faster acquisition of Defence capabilities.
  • Significant improvements in Defence capabilities and recruitment, with a 19% increase in applications over two years.

In Parliament

BILLS › Treasury Laws Amendment (More Cost of Living Relief) Bill 2025

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 26 March

AI Summary

  • The Treasury Laws Amendment (More Cost of Living Relief) Bill 2025 aims to address rising living costs for Australians.
  • The bill proposes various measures to provide financial relief to households struggling with expenses.
  • Key stakeholders, including economic analysts and community representatives, have expressed their views on the proposed legislation.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Morton-Bowles, Ms Holly Jayne, Jones, Ms Bianca Adrienne

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 6 February

AI Summary

  • Holly Morton-Bowles questions Bianca Jones about mental health services.
  • Calls for increased funding for mental health support.
  • Emphasises the importance of community-based mental health programs.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 4 May 2025

Three more years. Thank you Australia.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 3 May 2025

Thank you Corio.
Open Post

Posted on X • 3 May 2025

Thank you Corio.
Open Post

Posted on X • 15 April 2025

Defence Policy

Katy Perry got to space before we got a defence policy from the Liberals.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 19 April 2025

The Avalon Airport precinct plays a key role in Geelong, and Victoria’s, industry and economy. It continues to grow and we want to ensure that growth is sustainable- which is why a re-elected Albanese Labor government is committing $5 million to fund a feasibility study to explore options to upgrade Beach Road at Avalon, improve access to the Airport and help transform the precinct into a transport and logistics hub.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 13 April 2025

Anthony Albanese and Labor are building Australia’s future.
Open Post