James Merlino

Who is James Merlino?

James Anthony Merlino is an Australian politician serving as the member for Monbulk in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, as a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Merlino was elected at the 2002 state election defeating Steve McArthur. Merlino comfortably retained his seat at the state election in 2006 and became the Minister for Sport and Recreation and Youth Affairs, securing a place in cabinet. Under new Premier John Brumby's government he retained that ministry and gained a new role as Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs. He subsequently became Police Minister following the resignation of the previous Minister.

When the ALP lost government in the 2010 state election, Merlino became Shadow Minister for Police, the TAC and Road Safety. In February 2012, he was elected unopposed as Deputy Leader of the Labor Party in Victoria, following the resignation of Rob Hulls.