Rural Health

Mark was first elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Parkes, New South Wales, in 2007. 

On 6 February 2020, Mark was sworn-in as the Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government.

Mark was appointed to the Coalition Government Ministry on 26 May 2019 by Prime Minister Scott Morrison as the Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, and Assistant Trade and Investment Minister, and was officially sworn-in on 29 May 2019.

From March 2018 to May 2019, Mark was the Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment.

Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, Mark was the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council from 2004 until 2007.

Mark has an extensive agricultural background having spent 30 years as a farmer and grazier.  Mark and his wife Robyn owned and operated a mixed farming system growing cereal crops and running beef cattle.

The electorate of Parkes covers an area of 393 413 square kilometres, which is 49% of NSW and has an economy based on agriculture and mining.

As the Federal Member for Parkes, Mark represents one of the largest Aboriginal populations in the Australian Parliament.

When Parliament is not sitting, Mark and his wife Robyn cover large distances travelling from community to community to meet with their constituents.

Zoom Host: Andrew Crockett