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As Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper oversees Victoria's extensive and world-class agricultural sector. The portfolio covers DPI’s key business areas:
Minister Helper was also appointed Minister for Small Business in August 2007. From December 2002 to 2006 he was Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development. Minister Helper has been the Member for Ripon, which encompasses Ararat, Beaufort, Maryborough, Skipton and Stawell, since September 1999. Minister Helper understands the important role played by small business in regional communities, having established and owned a small business in rural Victoria for many years. For more information on Minister Helper, visit the Premier of Victoria's website (external link). Media Media releases from Victorian Government Ministers are available from the Department of Premier and Cabinet (external link). For media inquiries please contact the DPI's Marketing and Communication Branch: Telephone: (03) 9658 4000 Fax: (03) 9658 4006 Page Top Parliamentary Secretary Ben Hardman is Parliamentary Secretary to the Victorian Minister for Agriculture. A Parliamentary Secretary is a member of the Victorian Parliament whose role is to assist with the administration of a portfolio and provide representation when the Minister is absent. Ben Hardman chaired the joint parliamentary Rural and Regional Services Development Committee from 2003 to 2006 and was a member of the joint parliamentary Family and Community Development Committee from 1999 to 2002. He first campaigned for State Parliament in 1996 while teaching at a small rural primary school near Highlands and was Principal of Flowerdale Primary School when elected Member for Seymour in 1999. The important insights Ben brings to his work come from witnessing first-hand the issues facing rural and regional Victoria. Ben, his wife Gail and two sons live on a rural property near Tallarook. Contact Details Minister Helper welcomes comments and feedback on issues about Agriculture and can be contacted through his Ministerial and Electoral offices. Ministerial Office Level 22, 1 Spring Street Melbourne VIC 3003 Electoral Office 177 High Street Maryborough VIC 3465 Postal Address PO Box 175 Maryborough VIC 3465 Australia Email: joe.helper@parliament.vic.gov.au |
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© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2008.
This document was published on 02/07/2008.