Nola Marino

Nola Bethwyn Marino (née Catalano; born 18 February 1954) is an Australian politician who has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2007, representing the Division of Forrest in Western Australia. She is a member of the Liberal Party and was appointed Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories in 2019, after previously serving as Chief Government Whip from 2015 to 2019.

The Honourable

Nola Marino

MP
Marino visiting Myanmar in 2017
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories
Assumed office
29 May 2019
Prime MinisterScott Morrison
Preceded bySussan Ley
Chief Government Whip in the
House of Representatives
In office
27 September 2015 – 29 May 2019
Prime MinisterMalcolm Turnbull
Scott Morrison
Preceded byScott Buchholz
Succeeded byBert van Manen
Member of the Australian Parliament
for Forrest
Assumed office
24 November 2007
Preceded byGeoff Prosser
Personal details
Born
Nola Bethwyn Catalano

(1954-02-18) 18 February 1954
Harvey, Western Australia, Australia
Political partyLiberal
Spouse(s)
Carmelo Marino
​
(m. 1972)​
OccupationDairy farmer
Politician
Websitewww.nolamarino.com.au

Early life

Marino was born in Harvey, Western Australia, and grew up in Brunswick Junction. Her father was born in the United States, while her paternal grandparents were born in Messina, Sicily; her maternal grandfather was born in Kalmar, Sweden.[1] In 1972, she married Carmelo "Charlie" Marino, an Italian immigrant. During the Australian parliamentary eligibility crisis, it was suggested that she might be a dual citizen of Italy through her marriage. She subsequently released a statement from the Italian consulate in Perth stating that she "is not nor has ever been an Italian citizen".[2]

Before entering politics, Marino ran a dairy farm with her husband. From 2001 to 2007, she served on the board of Dairy Western Australia, an industry lobby group.[3] She also served as president of the Harvey Bulls Football Club for ten years. In 2017, the South West Football League announced that it would name the best and fairest award in its women's competition the Nola Marino Medal.[4]

Politics

Marino was elected to parliament at the 2007 federal election, succeeding the retiring Geoff Prosser in the Division of Forrest. She is the first woman to represent the electorate, which was established in 1922. In February 2008, Marino was appointed by Brendan Nelson as one of the party whips in the House of Representatives, serving alongside Michael Johnson and Chief Whip Alex Somlyay.[3]

Marino reportedly supported Malcolm Turnbull in the 2015 leadership spill against Tony Abbott. Turnbull subsequently appointed her Chief Government Whip in the House of Representatives, in place of Scott Buchholz. She was the first woman to hold the office.[5][6] In the lead-up to the 2016 federal election, Marino was challenged for Liberal preselection by Ben Small, the president of the party's Bunbury branch. She won the vote 51–16, with Turnbull sending a letter of support.[7]

After the 2019 federal election, Marino was appointed Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories in the Morrison Government. She consequently relinquished her position as whip.[8]

References
  1. "David Feeney says he may hold dual citizenship as more MPs' futures in balance". The Guardian Australia. 5 December 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  2. David Crowe (7 December 2017). "Turnbull seeks more scalps as Labor refers 'duals' to court". The Australian. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  3. Mrs Nola Marino MP, Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  4. "Marino honoured with award name". The West Australian. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  5. Rosie Lewis (29 September 2015). "New chief whip Nola Marino promises to 'just focus on the job'". The Australian. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  6. Jacob Kagi (1 April 2016). "Federal MP Nola Marino faces preselection battle for Forrest". ABC News. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  7. Colin Bettles (4 April 2016). "Farm fighter wins pre-selection battle". The Land. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  8. "Nola Marino's promotion welcomed by pollies from both sides". The West Australian. 30 May 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
Parliament of Australia
Preceded by
Geoff Prosser		 Member for Forrest
2007–present		 Incumbent
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