Greg was born and raised on the Mornington Peninsula where he currently resides with his wife Paula and two young children.
Greg graduated from Melbourne University with First Class Honours in Law, and subsequently won a Fulbright Scholarship to complete a Masters of International Relations at Yale University.
Throughout university and his time on a kibbutz in Israel he worked in warehouses, as a metal worker and as a fruit picker.
After university Greg worked with Mallesons Stephen Jacques, before becoming Associate to the Chief Justice of the Federal Court.
Between 1994 and 1998, Greg worked as senior adviser to the then opposition Leader and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer. He subsequently headed Australia’s electoral mission to Cambodia in 1998.
Greg then worked with McKinsey and Co for almost three years during which time he became an Engagement Manager and specialised in telecommunications, start-ups, government reform and the banking sector.
Greg’s achievements include being named a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum, being a runner up in the World Debating Championships and being selected as Australia’s debating captain.
Greg was elected as the Federal Member for Flinders in 2001, and became Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage and then Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs as a young MP in the Howard Government.
Greg was Shadow Minister in the Environment portfolio between 2007 and 2013, and was Minister for the Environment between September 2013 and July 2016.
As Environment Minister, Greg counts his key achievements as establishing Australia’s successful Emissions Reduction Fund, developing the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and $1 billion Reef Fund.
In 2016 he was selected as the inaugural Best Minister in the World recipient at the World Government Summit.
Greg was appointed Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science in July 2016.
In January 2017, Greg was appointed Minister for Health and Sport. Greg has always had a strong connection with the medical profession. His mother was a nurse and his wife is a nurse.
Greg will use his background in the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio to build on Australia’s track record for medical breakthroughs, turning what is done in the laboratory into better healthcare for patients.
Mental health is an issue that is particularly important to Greg. He wants to be a strong advocate for greater understanding and community awareness, and to ensure we have the necessary resources to help deal with this very important issue.
Greg is a keen sportsman and has competed in seven marathons as well as numerous local events such as the Arthurs Seat Challenge fun run, the San Remo Channel Challenge and the Dromana Life Saving Club swim.
As a sports fan and sports Dad, Greg is passionate about Australian sport and his top priority will be increasing participation across all ages – and winning back the Ashes.
As the Member for Flinders, Greg has completed four 500km walks around his electorate – in 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2015 – two each to raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
In December 2020, Greg added responsibility for Aged Care to his portfolio, leading the Government’s response to the Aged Care Royal Commission.