Richard Marles is the Deputy Leader of the federal Opposition. He was elected as the Member for Corio in November 2007. Richard was raised in Geelong and has a LLB (Hons) and BSc from Melbourne University. He began his career with legal firm Slater and Gordon before going on to become the federal assistant secretary of the Transport Workers' Union. In 2000 he became assistant secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, where he led a program of cooperation between the Australian and PNG union movements, deepening his passion for advancement of the Pacific. Among his appointments, Richard has served as parliamentary secretary for Pacific island affairs, parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, and minister for trade. In 2013, he was awarded the Cross of Solomon Islands, the highest civilian Solomons award. Richard lives in Geelong with his wife Rachel and four children-Sam, Isabella, Harvey and Georgia-plus two dogs, Ablett and Alfie. He is a passionate Cats supporter.
