Mike Kelly

Minister for Defence Materiel

While working his way through university, Mike was employed as a storeman and packer, a cleaner, and a labourer. After graduating he worked at a law firm in Sydney fighting for the rights of injured workers and helping with campaigns for those suffering from asbestos related diseases.

Mike joined the army in 1987, driven to defend our nation and to help fight for vulnerable people around the world. His many deployments include Somalia, East Timor, Kenya, Iraq and Afghanistan. He brings this same drive to representing the diverse communities of Eden-Monaro. Mike is currently the only veteran serving in the Australian parliament, and as Minister for Defence Material he is in charge of making sure the defence forces have the most modern and appropriate equipment possible.


"I feel a particular responsibility to be a voice for our veteran and ex-service community in this government. I serve fair warning to my colleagues that I will be an extremely persistent and annoying advocate on behalf of that community."

Mike has a long family history in Eden-Monaro. His great, great grandfather, Thomas Joseph Kelly settled in Bega in 1865; Thomas went on to found the famous Bega Cheese factory and was its first chairman. Many of Mike's relatives still live in the area.

Mike lives in Queanbeyan with his wife Shelly, and they have an adult son, Ben. Mike likes nothing better than getting in his car and driving through his community, stopping every chance he can to catch up with the many local communities he represents.