Richard Marles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Marles
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Marles in 2023
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| Deputy Prime Minister of Australia | |
| Assumed office 23 May 2022 |
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| Prime Minister | Anthony Albanese |
| Preceded by | Barnaby Joyce |
| Minister for Defence | |
| Assumed office 1 June 2022 |
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| Prime Minister | Anthony Albanese |
| Preceded by | Peter Dutton |
| Deputy Leader of the Labor Party | |
| Assumed office 30 May 2019 |
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| Leader | Anthony Albanese |
| Preceded by | Tanya Plibersek |
| Deputy Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 30 May 2019 – 23 May 2022 |
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| Leader | Anthony Albanese |
| Preceded by | Tanya Plibersek |
| Succeeded by | Sussan Ley |
| Minister for Trade | |
| In office 27 June 2013 – 18 September 2013 |
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| Prime Minister | Kevin Rudd |
| Preceded by | Craig Emerson |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Robb |
| Member of the House of Representatives for Corio | |
| Assumed office 24 November 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Gavan O'Connor |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Donald Marles
13 July 1967 Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
| Spouses | Rachel Schutze Lisa Neville |
| Children | 4 |
| Parents | Donald Marles Fay Marles |
| Residences | East Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
| Education | Geelong Grammar School |
| Alma mater | Melbourne University (BSc, LLB) |
| Occupation |
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Richard Donald Marles (born 13 July 1967) is an Australian politician and lawyer. He is currently the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and the Minister for Defence. He has held these important roles since May 2022.
Marles is also the Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP). He has been a member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Corio since 2007. He grew up in Geelong, Victoria, and first worked as a lawyer. Before becoming an MP, he was a leader in Australia's trade union movement.
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Richard Marles' Early Life & Career
Richard Marles was born in Geelong, Victoria, on 13 July 1967. His father, Donald Marles, was a school headmaster. His mother, Fay Marles, was Victoria's first Equal Opportunity Commissioner. She also became the Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
Marles went to Geelong Grammar School. He then studied at the University of Melbourne, where he earned degrees in Science and Law. While at university, he was involved in student politics. He was president of the University of Melbourne Student Union in 1988.
After university, Marles worked as a solicitor. He then joined the Transport Workers Union (TWU) as a legal officer. Later, he became the Assistant Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. This is a major group that represents workers in Australia. He stayed in this role until 2007.
Richard Marles' Political Journey
Marles entered politics in 2007. He was chosen by the Labor Party to run for the seat of Corio. He won the election on 24 November 2007. This election brought the Labor Party back into power.
Parliamentary Secretary & Minister for Trade
In 2009, Marles became a parliamentary secretary. This is a role that helps a minister with their duties. He worked in areas like innovation and industry. In 2010, he became Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs. He visited several Pacific nations, including Wallis and Futuna, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia.
In 2013, Marles was appointed the Minister for Trade. This meant he was part of the Cabinet, a group of senior ministers. He held this role briefly before the government changed.
Shadow Minister Roles
After the Labor Party lost the 2013 election, Marles became a shadow minister. This means he was a senior member of the opposition party. He was the Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection.
In 2016, he became the Shadow Minister for Defence. In this role, he focused on Australia's military and security. He is known for supporting strong ties with the United States.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition
In May 2019, after another election loss for Labor, Marles became the Deputy Leader of the Labor Party. This also made him the Deputy Opposition Leader. He continued to be the Shadow Minister for Defence.
In 2021, he took on a new "super portfolio." This role focused on Australia's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It covered areas like jobs, skills, and science.
Becoming Deputy Prime Minister
After the 2022 federal election, the Labor Party won. Richard Marles was sworn in as the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. He also became the Minister for Defence.
When the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, travels overseas, Marles steps in as Acting Prime Minister. This shows his important role in the government.
Richard Marles' Political Views
Marles is a senior member of the "Labor Right" group within his party.
Views on Refugees
Marles supports policies that involve turning back boats carrying asylum seekers. He also supports the "Pacific Solution." This policy involves sending refugees to other countries for processing.
Views on National Defence
As Defence Minister, Marles focuses on Australia's national security. He has supported strengthening Australia's military capabilities. He works closely with international partners on defence matters.
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Views on Energy
Marles has spoken about Australia's energy future. He believes that the market should decide on energy sources. He has stated that public money should not be used to support coal-fired power.
Views on China
In June 2024, Marles gave a speech in Singapore. During this speech, he was approached by Chinese military officers. They questioned his comments about China.
Richard Marles' Personal Life
Richard Marles lives in Geelong with his wife, Rachel Schutze. He has four children. Three are from his current marriage, and one is from his first marriage to Lisa Neville. Lisa Neville is also a politician in Victoria.
Marles is a big fan of the Geelong Football Club. He is also a member of the club.
Images for kids
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Marles in 2023
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Marles in August 2012 with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully
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Official DFAT photograph of Marles
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Marles (center) speaks with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Japanese Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada in 2022
