Bernie Ripoll was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998.

In 2008, Bernie was appointed Chairperson of the Corporations and Financial Services Joint Statutory Committee when Labor formed government at the 2007 Federal Election. This committee plays an integral role on the reporting and activities of ASIC and the operations of the corporations legislation.

Prior to the election of the Rudd Labor Government, Bernie actively contributed to national policy through his roles as Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Infrastructure, Industrial Relations and Innovation.

In addition to these important positions Bernie was also appointed to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Standing Committee in 2008.

Since being elected to Parliament in 1998, Bernie has served on numerous committees including Public Works, Migration, Transport and Regional Services, Treaties, and Labor’s National Security Committee which has given him a solid understanding of a number of key policy platforms.

Before being elected to Parliament, Bernie completed an electrical trade qualification, was a member of the Royal Australian Air Force and received his marketing degree through the Queensland University of Technology. After he completed his tertiary qualifications, Bernie then began representing workers as a union organiser with the State Public Services Federation of Queensland.

Bernie is also the founder of the Brisbane to Ipswich annual charity bike ride for which he fulfils the role of patron and organiser and has raised much needed funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital and Ipswich Hospital Foundations