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 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

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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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

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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Media Releases

New Secretary of Defence

Media Release • 28 April

Defence

AI Summary

  • Meghan Quinn appointed as Secretary of the Department of Defence.
  • First woman to lead the Department of Defence.
  • Previously served as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.
  • Experience includes roles at Treasury and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
  • Greg Moriarty thanked for his contributions and will become Australia’s next Ambassador to the US.

Doorstop, Parliament House

Media Release • 28 April

Defence Security Alliances

AI Summary

  • Meghan Quinn appointed as first female Defence Secretary, chosen for her extensive experience.
  • AUKUS agreement receives strong support despite UK inquiry concerns; milestones for submarine construction on track.
  • Richard Marles welcomes new US Ambassador Dave Brat, confident in US-Australia relations regarding AUKUS.
  • Condemnation of booing at Anzac Day events, with emphasis on the need for respect during ceremonies.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Middle East

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 31 March

AI Summary

  • Members raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
  • The Australian government's stance and diplomatic efforts were questioned.
  • There were calls for increased support for affected populations.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Fuel Security: Australian Defence Force

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 30 March

Energy Defence Petroleum Defence Forces

AI Summary

  • Concerns raised about Australia's fuel security amidst rising global tensions.
  • Questions directed at the Defence Minister regarding the Australian Defence Force's preparedness.
  • Discussion on the potential impact of fuel shortages on national security and military operations.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 30 April 2026

Defence Defence Forces

A strong, capable Defence Force needs land that is fit-for-purpose so that it can train and operate effectively. The independent Defence Estate Audit found that a number of sites are no longer critical to Defence’s operations and financially unsustainable for us to keep. That doesn’t mean these sites don’t hold incredible heritage and cultural value, for Defence but also for their local communities. Consultations are now occurring for sites around the country. These meetings will give community leaders and the public the chance to learn more about the transition of these sites away from Defence, ask questions and give feedback. Find out more here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/delivering-future-estate/defence-estate-audit-community-information-sessions
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 28 April 2026

Industry

The biggest order of Bushmasters since 1999. That’s what we've just announced. And it’ll mean the iconic Aussie Bushmaster will continue being built right here in Bendigo. Delivering the capability the Australian Army needs. Providing the certainty the local workforce needs. And backing the manufacturing capability Australia needs.
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 • 14 April 2026

Defence Defence Forces National Security

Australia needs drone technology for our national security. Conflicts overseas have highlighted just how necessary drones are, and how rapidly these technologies advance. In Australia we already have world-leading, Australian-produced drone tech. This isn’t luck - we’ve invested heavily to make it happen. And our ongoing investment will help us to expand Defence’s fleet of autonomous and uncrewed systems, while also strengthening our sovereign defence industry.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 8 April 2026

Japan is one of our closest defence partners and friends. It was an honour to meet with my counterpart Minister Shinjirō Koizumi today in Tokyo as we continue working together to grow our already strong partnership, and respond to developments in the global and regional security environment.
Open Post