Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck

Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck was born in Tasmania and has lived on the north-west coast for most of his life.

Before entering politics, he worked in the construction industry for more than two decades.

Prior to being elected as Senator in 2001, he served as president of the Devonport Chamber of Commerce, and as a director of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was also an Alderman of the Devonport City Council.

His involvement with politics grew over time following involvement with industry, business and school representative roles.

In the Howard Government, he served in various roles, including as the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Parliamentary Secretary for Finance.

In October 2008 he was appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

In May 2010, he was given the additional appointment of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. Engagement with local businesses – big and small – is an important part of this portfolio.

Following the August 2010 election, he was re-appointed to the Coalition Shadow Ministry in the positions of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry and also Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Industry and Science.

Senator Colbeck has recently served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture (18 September 2013 to 21 September 2015); Minister for Tourism and International Education (21 September 2015 to 19 July 2016); Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment (21 September 2015 to 19 July 2016). He was sworn in as the Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources on 28 August 2018.

Richard Colbeck is married to Gaylene and has three children. He loves sport and has been involved with local sporting groups and clubs for many years.