About

I am very proud to call Cairns home and it is a city where my wife and I chose to live, bring-up and school our children.

I was born in Sydney where I worked in the retail sector and commercial real estate before transitioning into hotels and the hospitality industry.  In the early 90’s I was very fortunate to be transferred to Far North Queensland travelling up the Coast on my motor bike for a “sea-change” which has lasted over 30 years.

Upon arriving in Cairns, I worked at the Palm Cove Travel Lodge and thus began my journey into the Queensland Tourism Industry and ultimately became responsible for the Sales & Marketing division of one of the largest marine tourism operators in the Tropical North for 14 years.

During this time, I also served as a Director on the Boards of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas Daintree Tourism and Tourism Events Queensland. 

For 10 years I also served in the capacity of a volunteer on the Board and then Chairman of Access Community Housing, the largest non-for-profit community housing initiative in Far North Queensland. 

Growing up politics was a subject that was frequently discussed at our dinner-table and is responsible for igniting my political aspirations.  My parents instilled upon me and my siblings labor values from an early age and the importance of giving back to the community.

In 2017 I won pre-selection for the seat of Cairns and later that year was honored to be elected to represent the Electorate of Cairns in the Queensland Legislative Assembly.  During my first term I was a member of the Small Business/Education Parliamentary Committee along with being appointed the Government’s Superyacht “champion”.

In the 2020 State Election I retained the seat of Cairns and was appointed as Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and in late December 2023 was appointed as Minister for Tourism and Sport in the Miles Government.

I am very proud to be able to represent the people of Cairns in the Queensland Parliament and will continue to ensure that our city and region has a strong voice.