Will Fowles Explained

Will Fowles
Honorific-Suffix:MP
Caption:Will Fowles MP in February 2021
Constituency Am:Ringwood
Assembly:Victorian Legislative
Term Start:26 November 2022
Predecessor:Dustin Halse
Constituency Am1:Burwood
Assembly1:Victorian Legislative
Term Start1:24 November 2018
Term End1:26 November 2022
Predecessor1:Graham Watt
Successor1:Seat abolished
Birth Date:1978 7, df=yes
Birth Place:Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
Birthname:William David Fowles
Nationality:Australian
Party:Independent (since 2023; parliamentary affiliation)
Otherparty:Labor
Children:4
Alma Mater:Monash University
Committees:Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee
Residence:Ringwood, Victoria, Australia

Will Fowles (born 27 July 1978) is an Australian politician. He has been a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly since November 2018, initially representing the seat of Burwood in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. Ahead of the 2022 Victorian state election, the seat of Burwood was abolished by Victoria's Electoral Boundaries Commission, leading Fowles to stand for the seat of Ringwood, where he resides with his family.[1]

Early life and education

Fowles was born in 1978 and grew up in Hawthorn. His father was a business owner and his mother was a primary school teacher, who has since retrained as a nurse. He initially attended Saint Joseph's Primary School and then Scotch College (1985–1996).

He has three younger brothers.

Fowles began his studies at Monash University in 1997, completing his Bachelor of Commerce in 2001 and his Bachelor of Laws in 2003. Fowles was elected President of the Monash Student Association for 2000, from a ticket composed primarily of Labor students.

Pre-parliamentary career

Following his graduation from Monash University, Fowles worked for Unilever and investment firm Scarborough Capital before starting his own business, Piper Capital, in 2006. Piper Capital managed a portfolio including the Food and Wine Co. in Melbourne and the Heritage Hotel in Rockhampton, Queensland until the hotel went into receivership and had to be sold due to mounting debts.[2] In 2015, Fowles founded Piper Communications, which provided strategic communications advice and advocacy for both commercial and not-for-profit clients.

Fowles has also served on key sporting boards and committees. In 2005, he became the youngest ever member of the MCC Committee, ultimately being re-elected twice and serving nine years in that role.[3] Additionally, he was appointed as a Trustee of the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust in 2015, where he served until 2018.[4]

Political career

Fowles joined the Australian Labor Party at age 21 and became involved in local branches in Hawthorn, Richmond and Burwood. A staunch Republican, he was elected as National Youth Convenor of the Australian Republican Movement at age 23. He continued to serve in various positions in the Republican Movement until 2018.

In 2002 Fowles stood as a candidate in the East Yarra by-election gaining an 8.8% swing to Labor, but failing narrowly to defeat Liberal MP Richard Dalla-Riva.[5] In 2008, Fowles ran for Lord Mayor of Melbourne on the “Fowles: A Fresh Vision” ticket, advocating for stronger community engagement and accountability.

Member for Burwood

In the 2018 Victorian Election, Fowles stood as the Labor candidate for the seat of Burwood, in Melbourne's east, challenging incumbent Liberal MP Graham Watt.[6] He campaigned on improved public transport, healthcare, education and jobs with the slogan Delivering for Burwood.  

Fowles secured 53.3% of the two-party preferred result thanks to a strong 6.47% swing towards Labor, unseating Graham Watt and becoming only the second Labor MP to hold the traditionally Liberal seat once held by former Premier Jeff Kennett.[7] Fowles was sworn into office on 29 November 2018.

In this electorate, Fowles delivered upgrades to Parkhill Primary School, Wattle Park Primary School and Ashwood High School.[8] [9] [10] He also secured in excess of $5m in funding to upgrade Wattle Park and has advocated for the Suburban Rail Loop, for which a station is planned in Burwood.[11]

Fowles was appointed to the Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee on 21 March 2019. Since then, the Committee has held inquiries into climate change action, environmental infrastructure and apartment design standards.[12] [13] [14]

On 25 July 2019, Fowles was questioned by ACT Police in Canberra following an incident in which he had kicked in the door of a hotel room at the Abode Apartments in Kingston.[15] Fowles was not charged with any offence and apologised for his actions, saying that he had been suffering from addiction and other mental health issues and had been attempting to retrieve medication from his luggage which was locked in the room.[16] Fowles took a leave of absence to address his health issues and returned later in the year as an advocate for the government's investment in mental health as recommended by the Mental Health Royal Commission.[17] [18]

Member for Ringwood

In October 2021, the Victorian Electoral Boundaries Commission released the Report on the Redivision of Victorian Electoral Boundaries 2020–2021, confirming that Fowles' seat of Burwood was to be abolished, and split between the existing seat of Box Hill and the new seat of Ashwood. This abolition resulted in Fowles standing for Ringwood electorate at the 2022 Victorian State Election, following the decision of incumbent Dustin Halse MP not to recontest.

Fowles subsequently moved to Ringwood with his wife and their child, and won re-election at the 2022 Victorian state election with a 3% drop in first preference, but a 4.3% two party preferred swing in his favour.[19]

On 5 August 2023, Fowles resigned from the parliamentary Labor Party at the request of then-Premier Daniel Andrews following allegations of sexual assault of a government employee.[20] [21] In January 2024, police announced the completion of their investigation and did not pursue criminal charges.[22] Jacinta Allan, who had since replaced Andrews as premier, declared that Fowles would not return to the Labor caucus.[23]

Policy positions

In his inaugural speech to Parliament following his election, Fowles spoke about the importance of addressing economic inequality and called for greater fairness in society. In particular, Fowles spoke about the need for more social housing, and the improved social mobility that stems from this.[24] In his speech, he expressed his support for the labour movement and the goal of an Australian Republic. In Parliament, Fowles has spoken in favour of strong action on climate change,[25] improved healthcare services,[26] LGBTIQ+ rights,[27] women's rights[28] and investment in education and social housing.[29]

Personal life

Fowles lives in Ringwood with his wife Jessica and has four children. He has been married twice, most recently in 2017.

Fowles is a strong advocate for mental health reform.[30] Fowles has openly discussed his struggles with depression and anxiety, which he was diagnosed with in 2006. “My focus is on … working hard on my mental health and being a better rep”.[31] He has since been a strong supporter of Victoria's Royal Commission into Mental Health, speaking in Parliament about his experiences with the mental health system after the final report was handed down in 2021.[32]

Fowles is a supporter of the Melbourne Demons and has been a member since 1996.[33]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: October 2021 . Report on the Redivision of Victorian Electoral Boundaries 2020-2021 . 7 September 2022 . Electoral Boundaries Commission of Victoria . 12 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220712060129/https://www.ebc.vic.gov.au/files/2021-boundaries/reports/EBC%20Report%20on%20the%20Redivision%20of%20Victorian%20Electoral%20Boundaries%202020-2021%20-%20Web%20version%20full%20report.pdf . live .
  2. News: 2015-03-12 . Rockhampton's Heritage Hotel goes into receivership . 2024-04-10 . ABC News . en-AU . 10 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240410042402/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-12/rockhamptons-heritage-hotel-goes-into-receivership/6307286 . live .
  3. Web site: Melbourne Cricket Club, 2013/14 Annual Report. 7 December 2021. Sports Industry Australia. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085536/http://footyindustry.com/files/2014%20Reports/Stadiums/MCC%202014%20Annual%20Report.pdf. live.
  4. Web site: Melbourne Olympic Parks Trust, 2016/17 Annual Report. 7 December 2021. Victorian Government Library Service. 24 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211024174244/https://www.mopt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/AnnualReport2017.pdf. live.
  5. Web site: May 2003. 2002 Victorian State election - Report to Parliament. 7 December 2021. Victorian Government Library Service. 9 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211209194630/https://www.vgls.vic.gov.au/client/en_AU/VGLS-public/search/detailnonmodal?qu=Elections.&d=ent://SD_ILS/0/SD_ILS:627572~~0&ps=300&h=8. live.
  6. Web site: Burwood - VIC Election 2018 . 13 April 2024 . . en-AU . 17 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240417141616/https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/vic/2018/guide/burw . live .
  7. Web site: 2018 State election results. 2021-12-07. www.vec.vic.gov.au. en. 10 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231110205709/https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/results/state-election-results/2018-state-election. live.
  8. Web site: Parkhill Primary School. 2021-12-07. www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au. en-US. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085623/https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/schools/Pages/ParkhillPrimarySchool.aspx. live.
  9. Web site: Wattle Park Primary School. 2021-12-07. www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au. en-US. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085542/https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/schools/Pages/WattleParkPrimarySchool.aspx. live.
  10. Web site: Ashwood High School. 2021-12-07. www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au. en-US. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085545/https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/schools/Pages/AshwoodHighSchool.aspx. live.
  11. Web site: 24 June 2021. 2021/22 Budget Take Note Motion. 7 June 2021. Parliament of Victoria. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085537/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/1e9ed33b-05db-49c2-9a58-bd4ca5682972/1/doc/. live.
  12. Web site: Inquiries. 2021-12-07. www.parliament.vic.gov.au. 9 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195357/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiries/inquiry/967. live.
  13. Web site: Environment and Planning. 2021-12-07. www.parliament.vic.gov.au. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085536/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiry/968. live.
  14. Web site: Environment and Planning. 2021-12-07. www.parliament.vic.gov.au. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085536/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiry/1021. live.
  15. News: Taylor . Josh . 2019-07-25 . Victorian Labor MP Will Fowles questioned by police over Canberra hotel damage . 2023-10-24 . The Guardian . en-GB . 0261-3077 . 23 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231123091534/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/25/victorian-labor-mp-will-fowles-questioned-by-police-over-canberra-hotel-damage . live .
  16. News: Worthington . Brett . Willingham . Richard . 'I made a very bad mistake': Labor MP apologises for Canberra hotel incident . 26 July 2019 . ABC News . 25 July 2019 . en-AU . 25 July 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190725230151/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-25/politician-accused-of-hotel-damage-in-canberra/11344948 . live .
  17. News: Towell . Noel . Hutchinson . Samantha . Grieve . Charlotte . 25 July 2019 . Door-kicking Andrews government MP on months of leave with full pay . 13 April 2024 . . en-AU . 10 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230810013601/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/door-kicking-andrews-government-mp-on-months-of-leave-with-full-pay-20190725-p52av4.html . live .
  18. Web site: Victorian Labor MP Will Fowles apologises for smashing hotel room after argument with staff. 2023-10-17 .
  19. Web site: Ringwood (Key Seat) - VIC Electorate, Candidates, Results . . 25 January 2023 . 25 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230125093715/https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/vic/2022/guide/ring . live .
  20. News: Ore . Adeshola . Victorian Labor MP Will Fowles resigns from party but denies assault allegation . 11 April 2024 . The Guardian . 6 August 2023 . 8 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240408160434/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/aug/06/victorian-labor-mp-resigns-from-party-over-assault-allegation . live .
  21. Web site: Statement from the Premier. 5 August 2023. www.premier.vic.gov.au. 5 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230805113625/https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/statement-premier-120. live.
  22. Web site: Eli . Green . 30 January 2024 . Police won’t charge Victorian MP Will Fowles . 23 February 2024 . News.com.au . en . 30 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240130053159/https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/politics/police-wont-charge-victorian-mp-will-fowles/news-story/dd2acdef2d6ef1bdb767fbe38009b2ae . live .
  23. Web site: Carmody . Broede . 31 January 2024 . Jacinta Allan says Fowles will never return to Labor caucus as long as she’s premier . 13 April 2024 . The Age . en . 2 February 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240202174306/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/jacinta-allan-says-fowles-will-never-return-to-labor-caucus-as-long-as-she-s-premier-20240131-p5f1d5.html . live .
  24. Web site: 19 December 2018. Governor's Speech - Address-in-Reply. 7 December 2021. Parliament of Victoria. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085536/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/?IW_INDEX=Hansard-2018-1&IW_FIELD_TEXT=SpeechIdKey%20CONTAINS%20%2819-12-2018_assembly_1812191279%29%20AND%20OrderId%20CONTAINS%20%280%29&LDMS=Y. live.
  25. Web site: Fowles. Will. 14 August 2021. Climate Change. 7 December 2021. Parliament of Victoria. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085538/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/17f143c6-0696-4cdf-bbb9-6406e5470a67/37/doc/. live.
  26. Web site: Fowles. Will. 16 September 2021. ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TREATMENT AMENDMENT BILL 2021. 7 December 2021. Parliament of Victoria. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085535/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/b652a599-d1df-4296-bff0-b4d27344e29b/10/doc/. live.
  27. Web site: Fowles. Will. 27 October 2021. Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021. 7 December 2021. Parliament of Victoria. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085540/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/1793e3da-64b4-4a2c-9ce8-96e07c9178c1/14/doc/. live.
  28. Web site: Fowles. Will. 18 March 2021. March 4 Justice. 7 December 2021. Parliament of Victoria. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085540/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/17f143c6-0696-4cdf-bbb9-6406e5470a67/68/doc/. live.
  29. Web site: Parliament of Victoria . Meet Will . 13 April 2024 . . 21 March 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240321230836/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/members/will-fowles/ . live .
  30. Web site: 2019-07-25. Victorian Labor MP Will Fowles questioned by police over Canberra hotel damage. 2021-12-07. the Guardian. en. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085539/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/25/victorian-labor-mp-will-fowles-questioned-by-police-over-canberra-hotel-damage. live.
  31. Web site: 2019-10-10. Victorian MP Will Fowles admits he made a 'gargantuan mistake', but won't reveal details of his addiction. 2021-12-07. 3AW. en. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085535/https://www.3aw.com.au/victorian-mp-will-fowles-admits-he-made-a-gargantuan-mistake-but-wont-reveal-details-of-his-addiction/. live.
  32. Web site: Fowles. Will. 4 March 2021. Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. 7 December 2021. Parliament of Victoria. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085538/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/e4b8cbc7-5747-4cd7-b80f-e513400848a5/7/doc/. live.
  33. Web site: Fowles. Will. 5 October 2021. Water and Catchment Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 - Second Reading. 7 December 2021. Parliament of Victoria. 7 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085535/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/19a313d5-423b-437b-9a58-79794689e895/3/doc/. live.

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