The Hon. John Joseph AQUILINA, MP.
I am a member of the Australian Labor Party, Member for Riverstone and Speaker of the NSW Parliament, Legislative Assembly.
I was born in Malta and migrated to Australia in 1956. Married to Anne (deceased 29 June 2003) and have 2 sons Bede and Jeremy and a daughter Bridget. I am remarried to Ann.
I joined the Australian Labor Party in 1970 (Blacktown Branch). Formerly the Secretary of Chifley F.E.C.,Sturt S.E.C and Delegate to the State Conference for many years.
Community
Alderman of Blacktown Municipal Council 1977-79, City Council 1979-83 (Mayor 1977-81). Former Member Ethnic Affairs Commission 1979-81. Member Blacktown City Lions Club since 1983. Member Sydney University Senate since 2003.
Qualifications
B.A, Dip.Ed.(Syd.) 1971. High school/ English teacher for 10 years prior to entering Parliament
Parliamentary Service
I became a Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly on the 19th September, 1981 and served as the Member for Blacktown until 1991. Since then I have been the Member for Riverstone.
Ministerial positions
Minister for Fair Trading 2001 - 2003
Minister for Land and Water Conservation 1999 - 2001
Minister for Education and Training 1999 - 2001
Minister for Education and Training and Minister Assisting the Premier on Youth Affairs 1995 - 1999
Shadow Minister for Education and Youth Affairs 1988 - 1995
Assistant Shadow Minister for Ethnic Affairs 1988 - 1995
Minister for Youth and Community Services and Assistant Minister for Ethnic Affairs 1986 - 1988
Minister for Natural Resources 1986
Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly 29th April 2003 to current
Shadow Leader of the House 1988 - 1989
Member, Standing Orders and Procedure Committee 1984 - 1986, 1988 - 1995
Member, Public Accounts Committee (Chairman 1985 - 1986) 1983 - 1986
