James Merlino

James Anthony Merlino (born 19 August 1972) is an Australian politician serving as the member for Monbulk in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, as a member of the Labor Party. He has been Deputy Premier of Victoria and Minister for Education since December 2014.

The Honourable James Merlino MP
Deputy Premier, James Merlino, 14 March 2018.
26th Deputy Premier of Victoria
Incumbent
Assumed office 4 December 2014
Premier	Daniel Andrews
Preceded by	Peter Ryan
Deputy Leader of the Labor Party in Victoria
Incumbent
Assumed office 2 February 2012
Leader	Daniel Andrews
Preceded by	Rob Hulls
Minister for the Coordination of Education and Training
Incumbent
Assumed office 3 April 2020
Premier	Daniel Andrews
Preceded by	Position established
Minister for Education
Incumbent
Assumed office 4 December 2014
Premier	Daniel Andrews
Preceded by	Martin Dixon
Minister for Mental Health
Incumbent
Assumed office 29 September 2020
Premier	Daniel Andrews
Preceded by	Martin Foley
Minister for Emergency Services
In office 10 June 2016 – 29 November 2018
Premier	Daniel Andrews
Preceded by	Jane Garrett
Succeeded by	Lisa Neville
Minister for Police
In office 11 October 2010 – 2 December 2010
Premier	John Brumby
Preceded by	Bob Cameron
Succeeded by	Peter Ryan
Minister for Corrections
In office 11 October 2010 – 2 December 2010
Premier	John Brumby
Preceded by	Bob Cameron
Succeeded by	Andrew McIntosh
Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs
In office 1 December 2006 – 2 December 2010
Premier	Steve Bracks John Brumby
Preceded by	Justin Madden
Succeeded by	Hugh Delahunty
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Monbulk
Incumbent
Assumed office 30 November 2002
Preceded by	Steve McArthur
Personal details
Born	James Anthony Merlino 17 August 1972 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Nationality	Australian
Political party	Labor
Spouse(s)	Meagan Merlino
Children	3
Alma mater	University of Melbourne
Occupation	Bricklayer, trade union official
Website	jamesmerlino.com.au

Merlino was elected at the 2002 state election defeating Steve McArthur. Merlino comfortably retained his seat at the state election in 2006 and became the Minister for Sport and Recreation and Youth Affairs, securing a place in cabinet. Under new Premier John Brumby's government he retained that ministry and gained a new role as Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs.[1] He subsequently became Police Minister following the resignation of the previous Minister.

When the ALP lost government in the 2010 state election, Merlino became Shadow Minister for Police, the TAC and Road Safety. In February 2012, he was elected unopposed as Deputy Leader of the Labor Party in Victoria, following the resignation of Rob Hulls, becoming deputy leader of the opposition[2]

With the election of the Andrews Labor Government in late 2014, Merlino became Deputy Premier and Education Minister.[3] On 10 June 2016, Merlino also became Minister for Emergency Services following the resignation of Brunswick MP Jane Garrett from the Andrews Ministry.[4]

Merlino is a member of Labor's right faction.[5] He is a devout Catholic.[6]

References

1. "John Brumby's new Cabinet". Herald Sun. 3 August 2007. Retrieved 3 August 2007.
2. "Merlino becomes deputy leader of Vic ALP". The Sydney Morning Herald. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
3. Parliament of Victoria - Members and Ministers February 25, 2016 Retrieved 25 May 2016
4. "James Merlino to replace Victorian Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett, as government threatens to sack CFA board". Ninemsn. 11 June 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
5. "Daniel Andrews under internal pressure to get back to basics". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
6. "Emotional pleas and shocking stories as Victorian MPs debate a matter of life and death". The Age. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 12 September 2020.

External links

• James Merlino at re-member