Biography
THE HON JON R FORD JP MLC
Minister for Employment Protection; Regional Development; Fisheries; the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne
Member for Mining and Pastoral Region
Minister Jon Ford is committed to ensuring sustainable fisheries in WA, and is dedicated to the social and economic development of the North West communities he serves. With the addition of the Employment Protection to Jon’s ministerial portfolios in February 2008, he is also committed to ensuring the delivery of a fair and equitable workplace for Western Australian employees and employers.
Jon was born on August 11, 1958 in Deniliquin, New South Wales and moved to Western Australia with his wife and young family in the early 1980s to develop career opportunities in the Mining and Gas industry in Northern Western Australia.
Over a period of 20 years, Jon worked in many varied roles in the mining and oil and gas industries including maintenance, production and operations, project construction and commissioning. Approximately 15 years of this time was spent in the Pilbara region, particularly in the towns of Tom Price and Karratha.
During the time Jon and his family spent in the Pilbara he was active in the community participating in rugby league, coaching junior touch rugby, supporting youth focused development projects. He was also a keen and enthusiastic participant in union and local/state government political forums.
In 1990 Jon became a member of the Australian Labor Party and has held numerous branch and executive positions in the party. He was elected as MLC for the Mining and Pastoral Region on February 10, 2001 and his electorate office is located in Newman.
At the start of the Gallop Government’s second term in March 2005, Jon was elevated to Minister for Fisheries, Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne. In February 2006, Regional Development was added to Jon’s ministerial portfolios. The latest addition to Jon’s ministerial responsibilities has been Employment Protection, in February 2008. Jon also served as Local Government Minister between February 2006 and December 2006.
Jon has held Parliamentary Appointments as Deputy Chairman of Committees from 23 May 2001 to 22 March 2005. He was Chairman, Standing Committee on Legislation: 31 May 2001 - 22 March 2005 and a Member of the Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges: 31 May 2001 - present.
Jon has also been a Member on the Select Committee on Advocacy for Children: 26 June 2003 - 2 December 2003 and a Member of the Select Committee on the Reserves (Reserve 43131) Bill 2003: June 27, 2003 - present.
His interests include fishing, music and politics at local and regional levels. Jon has a passion for social justice, especially as it applies to the disadvantaged in our community.