Early Career
A graduate of Sunnybank State High School, he went on to study at the University of Queensland, receiving an honours degree in Dental Science. At university he showed no early sign of an interest in politics, describing his student days at the University of Queensland as being "toga parties, Lacoste shirts and university japes".
He finished his degree in 1983 and departed for London where he met his wife Stacey. He won the state seat of Surfers Paradise from one-term independent MP Lex Bell at the 2004 state election, and served in the opposition shadow ministry for a number of years. He has held various shadow portfolios, including health, public works, mines and energy and immediately prior to his ascension to the leadership he has served as Shadow Minister for Education and Skills and Shadow Minister for the Arts from 12 August 2008.
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