Russell Wortley

Who is Russell Wortley?

Russell Paul Wortley, Australian politician, has served as a Labor MLC in the South Australian Legislative Council since the 2006 election. He was re-elected at the 2014 election for a second eight-year term.

Wortley worked as a plumber and gas fitter before being elected as a union official in 1984. He is a former head of the Gas sub-branch of the Transport Workers Union in South Australia.

Wortley has served as a member of a number of government and community organisations including the Occupational Health and Safety Commission, the Workers Appeal Tribunal and the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee. He was a councillor for the Fitzroy Ward of the Prospect City Council from 1987 to 1993. He is a Justice of the Peace.

Elected to parliament in 2006, Wortley's policy interests include education, health, industrial relations, aged care, environment and natural resources. Wortley has served in many committees and select committees.

Wortley was sworn in as Minister for Industrial Relations and State/Local Government Relations on 23 June, 2011.

Wortley is married to former Senator Dana Wortley and has one son.