In this episode, we talk to James Newbury, Member for Brighton in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. James is also the Manager of Opposition Business, he Shadow Minister for Planning, the Shadow Minister for the Environment and Climate Change and the Shadow Minister for Equality.

During this episode, we discuss a number of topics, including James' journey into politics and the passion he has for his local community.

Topics include:

- Political career

- Journey and motivations for entering politics

- The rise of crime in Brighton

- Ensuring everyone (including fairies) have safe accommodation

- Encouraging young people to become politically engaged

- The importance of contacting your local MP

- Community engagement and outreach efforts

- Perspectives on state-level policies and governance

- The difference between federal politics and state politics culture

About James Newbury:

James Newbury was elected to the Victorian Parliament in November 2018. He is the fourteenth person elected to represent his community since the electorate of Brighton was first formed in 1856. The electorate is the only Liberal Party held seat to have existed continuously since 1856.

James was born in Melbourne and grew up in East Malvern. Growing up, James was very close to his paternal grandmother and he spent a lot of time with her at the family property on Phillip Island. His grandfather, Dr Charles Renton Newbury, was President of the World Dental Federation and was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

During high school, James did bookwork for his father’s dental practice, where he learnt about the burden of over regulation and the challenges of running a small business.

James has completed three university degrees, including a Juris Doctor and a Master’s Degree in Business Law. James met his wife, Suzanne, at Monash University.

After completing a Master of Business (Law), James began working for the Howard Government. When James and Suzanne married, they moved to Canberra to work at the highest levels of Federal Government. During his time working in Canberra, James had responsibility for advising many Senior Ministers and Party leaders.

After the election of the Abbott Government, James and Suzanne moved back to Brighton and started their own family, they now have two young daughters.

James worked as Senior Adviser to then Premier, Dr Denis Napthine, before moving into the private sector. James worked as a Group Company Secretary for Australian Retail Credit Association, the peak body for organisations involved in credit reporting.

In 2016, the long-serving Member for Brighton, Louise Asher, announced her intention to retire. At that time, James decided to put his hand up to represent his community and be a strong voice for them in Parliament.

James is a Shadow Cabinet Minister responsible for the Environment, Climate Change and Equality portfolios, in addition to being the Manager of Opposition Business.

That final role is responsible for co-ordinating the Coalition in Victoria’s lower house.

As the representative for Brighton, James is committed to protecting Brighton’s unique character and standing up for his local community.