Peter was elected as the Federal Member for Dickson in Queensland in November 2001 when, at the age of 30 he defeated Cheryl Kernot, and has served as Minister for Workforce Participation, with responsibility for the Job Network, Disability Employment Services, Work for the Dole and improving transition to work opportunities for all unemployed Australians.
In January 2006 Peter was promoted to Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer. He worked closely with Peter Costello in areas including budget preparation, taxation, superannuation, prudential regulation, and competition and consumer policy.
Prior to being elected to Parliament, Peter had a variety of jobs. He started his working life at 12, delivering newspapers and mowing lawns. He also worked after school as a butcher’s boy - a job he continued until starting university. Peter went on to complete a Bachelors degree in Business. He started in property at 18 and eventually owned businesses employing over 40 staff.
Peter was a police officer for 9 years, working in the Sex Offenders Squad, Drug Squad, and the then National Crime Authority. He left the police in 1999 to manage his business interests full time.
Peter is married to Kirilly and is the proud father of Rebecca aged 7, Harry aged 5 and Tom aged 4.