Address by the Federal Opposition

Prior to entering Parliament, Macfarlane was a farmer and was also the President of the Queensland Graingrowers Association (1991–8). He has been an executive member of the Queensland and National Farmers Federation as well as President of the Grains Council of Australia (1994-1996). Macfarlane was elected to the House of Representatives as the member for the regional seat of Groom, Queensland, in 1998 and 2001. He lives in the major city of that electorate, Toowoomba. In January 2001 he was sworn in as the Minister for Small Business in the Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business portfolio. On 26 November 2001 he became the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Following the October 2004 election, Macfarlane retained the portfolio responsibilities for Industry, Tourism and Resources. After the change in government following the November 2007 federal election, Macfarlane was appointed as Shadow Minister for Trade. Macfarlane was appointed Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources in September 2008.