Deputy Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industries and Climate Change

Rick Colless was first elected to Parliament as a Member of the Legislative Council in 2000 and currently holds positions as the Deputy Opposition Whip to the Legislative Council and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industries and Climate Change.

Prior to entering Parliament, Rick studied at Hawkesbury Agricultural College (now University of Western Sydney) where he majored in soil and water engineering, and soil science and agronomy, before going on to enjoy a 26 year career as a soil conservationist for the former Soil Conservation Service. This work saw Rick travel extensively throughout NewSouth Wales, serving communities such as Henty, Cowra, Goulburn and Gunnedah before returning to Inverell.

During those years Rick focused on many innovative programs, including conservation farming, dry land salinity management and vegetation, pasture and grazing management, in addition to the structural soil conservation works programs for which the New South Wales Soil Conservation Service won worldwide acclaim.

Rick resigned following the change to the Department of Land and Water Conservation and the final dismemberment of the Soil Conservation Service by the Carr Government. After resigning, Rick enjoyed working as an agricultural and environmental consultant, focusing on balancing soil, plant and animal nutrition and improving the environment through soil carbon sequestration and organic matter management.

Rick Colless also served on Inverell Shire Council for ten years prior to his entry to State Parliament,which included a term as Mayor. During this time Rick developed a passion for ensuring country people are afforded the quality services needed to match the unrivalled quality of life enjoyed by country residents.

Rick has continued this keen interest in agricultural affairs through his current work as Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Primary Industries, and prides himself incontinuing the Nationals legacy of looking out for the interests of those on the land.

As Duty MLC for both the Bathurst and Northern Tablelands Electorates, Rick has also fought hard to see local residents receive the services and infrastructure they deserve, in the face of Labor’s continued neglect of country concerns.

Contact: