Federal Opposition Address

Ian Macfarlane was first elected to federal Parliament in 1998.

As a Minister in the Howard Government, he held the portfolio of Small Business (2001) before being promoted to the Cabinet role of Industry, Tourism and Resources (2001–07).

He is now the Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources and brings his extensive experience and pragmatic approach to policy work in two of Australia’s most important industries.

He has also previously been the Coalition’s spokesperson for Trade and for Infrastructure and Water.

His official visits have included Japan, New Zealand, the US, Mexico, the UK, France, Austria, Chile, Thailand, Republic of Korea, China, Mongolia, Indonesia and India.

Before entering federal politics, he farmed peanuts, sorghum and wheat and ran cattle in Queensland’s Burnett region before becoming one of the country’s most active agripoliticians.

He was President of the Queensland Graingrowers Association for seven years, President of the Grains Council of Australia for two years and simultaneously held executive positions on the Queensland and National Farmers Federations.

The practical farming tendencies still run deep. His nickname ‘Chainsaw’ now reflects his direct approach to cutting red tape to get things done for Australian business and industry on a political level.

Ian is married to Karen; they have two daughters. He lives in Toowoomba, Australia’s largest provincial inland city.