Mark Birrell

Mark Alexander Birrell (born 7 February 1958) is a solicitor, company director and a former Cabinet Minister in the Australian state of Victoria.

Birrell was born in Melbourne and was educated at Trinity Grammar. He studied at Monash University obtaining a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws. Whilse studying, Birrell worked for Senator Alan Missen and also served terms as President of the Victorian and Federal Young Liberals. He was admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1983.

When long serving MP William Campbell resigned his safe Legislative Council seat of East Yarra Province in 1983, Birrell won Liberal preselection and succeeded him as its member. Two years later he entered the shadow Cabinet as shadow Health Minister.

Birrell became the Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council from 1988 and in 1992 he became the Government Leader of the Upper House, a position he would hold through to 1999. During this period he served as Minister for Conservation and Environment, creating the Yarra Ranges National Park, pioneering laws for coastal protection in the State, overseeing Albert Park’s revitalisation, and handling key stakeholder issues.

During the first term of the Kennett government he also served as the Minister for Major Projects. He was responsible for the 'Agenda 21' infrastructure projects like the new Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Melbourne Museum, City Circle Tram, the Regent Theatre, Docklands, Beacon Cove and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. After the 1996 election he swapped his Ministerial portfolios for the Industry, Science and Technology portfolio. As minister he oversaw the State's first "Science, Engineering and Technology policy," legislating for 7-day shop trading, and overseeing a successful investment attraction program.

...
Wikipedia