The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP
Minister for Defence

Joel Fitzgibbon was first elected to the Federal Parliament in March 1996 as the member for Hunter.

Since 1998, Mr Fitzgibbon has served on the Labor front bench in a number of portfolios including Small Business, Tourism, Banking and Financial Services, Forestry, Mining and Energy, and Assistant Treasurer.

After leaving school Joel completed an apprenticeship as an automotive electrician and subsequently spent 10 years running his own small business. He also served eight years as a Councillor on Cessnock City Council including a term as Deputy Mayor.

In 2004, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at the University of Newcastle. Earlier as a mature age student, Joel had completed a number of subjects towards an Arts/Law degree at the University of New England.

Mr Fitzgibbon grew up in the Hunter town of Cessnock where he continues to live today with his wife Dianne and their three children - Caitlin, Jack and Grace. Joel has a keen interest in sport. He played rugby league for Cessnock in his younger days and continues today to help out with the junior league where and when he can.

Joel Fitzgibbon was sworn in as the Federal Minister for Defence on 3 December 2007.