Line graph
Enter your search query here. You can use keywords or phrases to find content.
Enter your search query here. You can use keywords or phrases to find content.
headshot of James Merlino
Back to Board

James Merlino

Chair of the Board and Independent Director

James has been a Director on the Rest Board since 1 January 2023, and was appointed Independent Chair on 1 January 2023.

Experience

James has more than 20 years’ experience in government, politics and public administration at both the state and local level, including eight years as the Deputy Premier of Victoria in the Labor Government from 2014 to 2022. During his time in government, he oversaw multi-billion dollar projects and was responsible for the biggest school building program in Victoria’s history via the Victorian School Building Authority. He was also Acting Premier of Victoria for four months in 2021, managing the state’s ongoing response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

James represented the electoral division of Monbulk in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 2002 to 2022, and held a number of Ministerial portfolios, cabinet positions and parliamentary appointments during his tenure, including Minister for Education from 2014 to 2022 and Minister for Mental Health from 2020 to 2022, and Minister for Emergency Services from 2016 to 2018.

Current Directorships

  • Chair and Director of Retail Employees Superannuation Pty Limited
  • Director of Hawthorn Football Club Limited
  • Director of Hawthorn Football Club Land Pty Ltd
  • Chair of Suburban Rail Loop Authority (Victoria)
  • Chair of Victorian Catholic Education Authority
  • Director of Super Members Council of Australia
  • Director of Super Members Council of Australia Operations Pty Ltd
  • Director of Greater South East Melbourne

Rest Committee Membership

  • People, Culture and Remuneration Committee
  • Member and Employer Services Committee
  • Risk Committee

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons)