Elected to the Senate for Queensland 2007 (term began 1.7.2008).

Temporary Chair of Committees from 7.7.11.

Senate Standing: Publications from 30.9.10; Regulations and Ordinances from 1.7.11.

Senate Legislative and General Purpose Standing: Economics from 1.7.08 to 14.5.09; Community Affairs from 28.8.08 to 14.5.09; Community Affairs: Legislation Committee from 14.5.09; Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Legislation and References Committees from 30.9.10.

Senate Select: Climate Policy from 18.3.09 to 15.6.09; Reform of the Australian Federation from 13.5.10 to 30.6.11.

Joint Statutory: Law Enforcement from 1.7.11.

Joint Standing: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade from 16.3.09.

Member, Parliamentary Delegation to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, September-October 2008.

Member, Parliamentary Delegation to Timor-Leste, August 2009.

Member, Parliamentary Delegation to United Arab Emirates, May 2011.

Member, Parliamentary Delegation to UK, Spain, Germany and USA, April-May 2012.

Delegate, Pine Rivers Municipal Electoral Council 1996-98, 2000 and 2006.

Secretary, ALP Bray Park Branch 1997-98.

Delegate, ALP State Conference 1997-2008.

Delegate, State Electoral Council 1999 and 2007.

Vice-President, ALP Pine Rivers Central Branch 2005-07.

Member, ALP Administrative Committee from 2005.

Member, Electoral College from 2005.

Delegate, Dickson Federal Electoral Council 2006-08.

Delegate, ALP National Conference 2007.

Member, ALP Campaign Committee.

Born 11.4.1958, Brisbane, Qld.

Married.

Assoc Dip of Business (Industrial Relations) (QUT/TAFE).

Organiser, Transport Workers' Union (Qld) 1989-92.

Industrial Officer, Queensland Police Union 1992-96.

Organiser, Senior Organiser, Branch Secretary and General Vice-President, National Union of Workers (Qld) 1996-2008.