AustCham is pleased to invite members and friends to a special Luncheon Address by the Minister for Industry, The Hon Ian Macfarlane MP. This is the first visit to Thailand by an Abbott Government Minister. It will be a rare opportunity to hear a senior member of the Cabinet speak on the topic of "Revitalising the Australian Economy and Engaging with Asia".
Ian Macfarlane was first elected to federal Parliament in 1998. Ian brings a wealth of experience to the newly created Industry portfolio. He previously served as a Minister in the Howard Government holding the portfolio of Small Business (2001) before being promoted to the Cabinet role of Industry, Tourism and Resources (2001-2007). As Shadow Minister he was responsible for Energy and Resources. He has also previously been the Coalition’s spokesperson for Trade and for Infrastructure and Water. Before entering federal politics Ian 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. Ian takes a pragmatic and direct approach to policy, cutting through red tape, and getting things done for Australian business and industry on a political level. Ian is married to Karen with two daughters. He lives in Toowoomba, Australia's largest provincial inland city.