Biography
THE HON MARK MCGOWAN BA LLB MLA
Minister for Education and Training; South West
Member for Rockingham
Mark McGowan was born in Newcastle, New South Wales in 1967 and educated in public schools in country NSW and the University of Queensland.
He lives in Rockingham with his wife Sarah and sons Samuel and Alexander.
Mark was the Deputy Mayor of Rockingham before his election to State Parliament and served on the Council from 1994 to 1996.
Before becoming the Member for Rockingham in 1996, he served as a permanent officer in the Royal Australian Navy at HMAS STIRLING.
Mark is the holder of the Governor General's Commendation for Bravery for actions he took in 1995 rescuing an unconscious driver from a burning car.
He has served as Opposition Spokesperson for Local Government, Sport and Recreation, Tourism and Heritage.
From 2001 to 2005, Mark was the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. He also chaired the ANZAC Committee and the 175th Anniversary Committee.
In 2005, he was appointed Minister for Tourism, the South West, Peel, Youth and Racing and Gaming. He also held the portfolios of Sport and Recreation, Seniors, Disability Services and Multicultural Interests.
The following year he was appointed Minister for the Environment and retained the Racing and Gaming porfolio in the first Carpenter Ministry.
On December 13, 2006, Mark was sworn in as Minister for Education and Training and the South-West.
Mark is a patron or member of various sporting and social clubs in the Rockingham area.