Alistair Harkness

Dr. Alistair Harkness MLA, born 7 August 1974, Melbourne, Victoria. Harkness is an Australian politician, and is a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for the ALP.

Early life

Harkness grew up in Frankston, Victoria where he attended primary school. After completing high school in Mentone, he was accepted to study at Monash University. In 1996, he graduated with a Bachelor of Business and an honours degree in arts. He went on to complete a PhD in political science, which he was awarded in 2005. [http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/handbook/searchresult.cfm?menuid=1&membersearch=adv] His research on Victorian state politics and policy has been widely published. [http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/handbook/searchresult.cfm?menuid=1&membersearch=name]

Prior to entering Parliament, his career included working for former Premier Steve Bracks in his first term as Premier, and on the galvanizing and paint lines at BHP Westernport. Harkness is married with one daughter and is a supporter of the St Kilda Saints.

Political career

Harkness was elected as the Member for Frankston in the 2002 Victorian State Elections. At just 28 years old, this made him the youngest member in the Victorian Parliament. During his first term, he was a member of the Parliamentary Roads Safety Committee. He was re-elected at the 2006 election and currently serves on the Parliamentary Education Committee.

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