Biographical Notes
Alan Griffin has represented the electorate of Bruce in the Australian Parliament since 1996. Alan previously had served as Member for Corinella (1993-1996) before that seat was abolished in an electoral redistribution. The Bruce electorate is in outer metropolitan Melbourne and includes the suburbs of Dandenong North, Noble Park North, Mulgrave, Wheelers Hill and parts of Clayton, Dandenong, Springvale, Noble Park, Glen Waverley, and Notting Hill.
In December 2007, Alan had the privilege of being appointed as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in the first Rudd Government.
Alan’s commitment to Australia’s veteran and ex service community has been long term, having been Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs since 2005. By actively engaging with veterans across Australia, Alan has gained an insight into the unique experiences of veterans and ex service personnel, and the issues that face them and their families.
Veterans’ Affairs is a Rudd Government priority. Working together with the ex service community, Alan will ensure that Australia’s Repatriation system is responsive to the needs of veterans and prepares to meet the future challenges of ex service personnel and their families.
Alan grew up in Melbourne and country Victoria. He later studied a Bachelor of Arts at the Australian National University, where he majored in politics and history. To this day, he retains a passionate interest in politics and history, and is a keen fan of baseball and soccer. Alan is the proud father of three daughters.
Alan has contributed energetically to a range of Federal Parliamentary positions, working as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition, Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Minister for Treasury, Finance and Small Business, Shadow Minister for Consumer Protection and Consumer Health, Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, and Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation.
Alan has been a member of the Australian Labor Party since 1979. Before his work as a parliamentarian, Alan’s career demonstrates a life-long commitment to community involvement and public service. He worked as a Councillor in Springvale City Council, as a ministerial adviser to the Victorian State Minister for Community Services, and as an adviser to the Hon. Simon Crean MP. He has also worked for a range of unions and for the Victorian public service in the Departments of Health and Industrial Relations