Speaker: Hon. James Merlino

Following secondary school, James studied Arts (political science) at Melbourne University and completed his Honours year in 1995.

Before entering Parliament James was a National Industrial Officer for the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Union. The “Shoppies” is Australia’s largest union representing retail workers.

James was a councillor for Yarra Ranges Council, which included a period as Deputy Mayor between 1997 and 2002.

In November, 2002 James was first elected to Parliament as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Monbulk. James was also a member of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee between 2003 and 2006.