Biography

As a local resident, he is well placed to understand community and business needs. Ian is a very active individual who is friendly, approachable and above all effective in getting results. He is focused on achieving local priorities such as jobs, improved essential services, and new community facilities. Ian is passionate about economic development and believes that Australian business owners should be able to do what they do best – create jobs and wealth for the nation with minimal government intervention.

With a small business background, Ian went into business starting with a small loan and over 15 years built his company into a leading supplier of electrical, mechanical and pipe supports systems to the commercial construction and mining industries.

Ian’s practical business acumen is backed up with professional qualifications including a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Curtin University, and the executive development program at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

During his time in Parliament, Ian has served as a member of the Speaker’s Panel in the House of Representatives, chairing the House as Deputy Speaker. He has also served as a member of the Parliamentary Committees on Electoral Matters; Procedure; Public Works; Tax and Revenue; Human Rights; Publications; and Privileges and Members’ Interests.

His local achievements include helping secure Federal funding of $158 million to expand Joondalup Hospital; $245 million for a new Edith Cowan University campus; $38 million to widen the Mitchell Freeway between Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue; and $100 million to build traffic bridges over the congested intersections of Joondalup Drive and Ocean Reef Road with Wanneroo Road.

Prior to entering Parliament, Ian was involved in the accounting, engineering, and property development industries. Ian has served as a local government councillor for 14 years. He is actively involved in our local community and is a Justice of the Peace. He was awarded the Commonwealth of Australia Centenary Medal for “service to local government, education, and charity”.

A first-generation migrant, Ian is of Eurasian heritage – his ancestors were early pioneers who settled the British colony of Singapore. His electorate features a large proportion of overseas-born migrants, many of whom can identify with Ian’s background.

With an extensive network of contacts in South East Asia, particularly in the ASEAN region, Ian is actively working to develop export markets for Australian-made goods and services for the benefit of the economy capitalizing on recent trade partnerships with Korea, Japan, and China.

Aside from his Parliamentary duties and obligations, Ian is a competitive shooter, nationally accredited shooting coach, recreational fisherman and car enthusiast.