Nigel Scullion

Nigel Gregory Scullion (born 4 May 1956), Australian politician, has been a member of the Australian Senate for the Northern Territory since November 2001, representing the Country Liberal Party. He is the deputy leader of the National Party, and sits with the Nationals in the Senate.

Scullion received media attention early in his career when questions arose over how his business relationships with government bodies might have affected his eligibility to sit in the Parliament. Investigations continued for some time, but in the end did not affect his membership of Parliament.

On 30 January 2007, he was appointed Minister for Community Services in the Australian Government. On 3 December 2007, he was elected deputy leader of the National Party in the Commonwealth Parliament and served as leader of the party in the Senate, before being defeated by Barnaby Joyce for the Senate leadership, however he retained the deputy leadership of the National Party.

On 6 December 2007 he was named as Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the shadow ministry chosen by new Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson.

Scullion was re-elected at the 2010 election and appointed Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs by Opposition leader, Tony Abbott.

He was born in London, England then lived in Deakin, Canberra, Australia during high school. He is married with 3 children. Before entering the Senate he was a professional fisherman and graduated from the Australian Rural Leadership Program.