Meet James

Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Shadow Minister for Digital, Artificial Intelligence and Investment, Shadow Minister for Customer Service, Manager of Opposition Business in the Legislative Assembly and Member for Manly

James was elected to Parliament in 2017, representing the seat of Manly.

As the former Minister for Environment, James held executive responsibility for a multi-billion-dollar portfolio spanning national parks, marine reserves, biodiversity programs, UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites, and oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency. He set the long-term strategic direction for the state's environmental governance framework, oversaw its largest-ever land acquisition for National Park expansion and beefed-up environmental protections.

Today, as Shadow Minister for Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Investment, James is developing the policy platform that will define New South Wales's next decade of economic competitiveness. He works directly with the industry executives, investors, technologists, and innovators who are building the energy, AI, and digital infrastructure sectors. As a member of the Sloane Shadow Cabinet and leadership team, James believes that New South Wales holds a generational opportunity to lead Australia in the industries that will define the next economy.

As the Manager of Opposition Business in the Legislative Assembly, he helps execute Parliamentary strategy. He is also a member of the Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics.

For nearly a decade, James has worked hard to deliver on his commitments to his community. He has led the development and creation of Australia’s first hospice for young adults, located on the former Manly Hospital site at North Head. The $19.5m facility is free for young people facing life limiting illnesses across New South Wales. In addition, he is proud to have secured millions of dollars in funding for schools, transport, community service providers and organisations throughout his electorate.