Richard Mansell Colbeck (born 5 April 1958), Australian politician, is a Liberal member of the Australian Senate representing Tasmania. He was born in Myrtleford, Victoria, and was educated at Devonport Technical College. He was a Building estimator and supervisor, managing director and proprietor of a building consultancy before entering politics.
He was a Director of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 1998-2001 and served as its president from 1993 to 1996 and again from 1998 to 2000. He was an Alderman of the Devonport City Council 1999-2002.
Colbeck was appointed to the Senate by the Governor of Tasmania in February 2002 to fill the casual vacancy caused by the retirement of Senator the Hon. Jocelyn Newman.
Richard Colbeck was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in October 2004. In January 2006 he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration. With the defeat of the government led by John Howard in 2007, Colbeck was appointed to the Shadow Ministry, as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health and was shifted to the role of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in September 2008.
In September 2010, he was appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Industry and Science by Opposition leader, Tony Abbott.
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