John Barilaro

Barilaro was born in Queanbeyan to immigrant parents from Calabria, Italy.[7] After leaving school he worked on the factory floor of his family's business. Before entering politics, he managed Ryleho, a business that manufactures energy-efficient timber windows and doors. He has campaigned within his local community for a high school for the growing suburb of Jerrabomberra, and helped found the Monaro Panthers Football Club (soccer), before serving for eight years as its club president.[8][9][10]

Barilaro was elected as an independent councillor of Queanbeyan City Council in 2008 and served on the council until he ran for the National Party in the seat of Monaro at the 2011 state election. He won the seat from incumbent Labor Minister Steve Whan with an 8.2-point swing to the Nationals.[11]

Following the resignation of Andrew Stoner in October 2014, Barilaro was appointed to the first Baird ministry as the Minister for Small Business and the Minister for Regional Tourism.[12] Baird rearranged his ministry following the 2015 state election, and Barilaro was sworn in as the Minister for Regional Development, the Minister for Skills, and the Minister for Small Business in the second Baird government.[13]

On 15 November 2016, Barilaro was elected unopposed as leader of the National Party in New South Wales, following the resignation of Troy Grant.[14] Following the resignation of Mike Baird and the election of Gladys Berejiklian as Leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party, Barilaro led The Nationals to form the Liberal-National coalition in the Berejiklian ministry that was sworn in on 23 January 2017.[15][16][17]

On 1 December 2017, Barilaro called for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to resign as a "Christmas gift" to Australians. Turnbull subsequently accused Barilaro of "trying to ingratiate himself" with radio presenter Alan Jones. Turnbull also stated he had called Barilaro and left a message after previous criticism, but had not heard back, and suggested Barilaro should have expressed his view to Turnbull personally, rather than "bagging [him] in the media". Several federal ministers, including Julie Bishop and Mathias Cormann were also critical of Barilaro, with Cormann stating: "He is not a federal member of parliament, I don't know him, I have never met him, it is a regrettable comment, it is uncalled for, it is wrong, I reject it".[18]

At the 2019 state election, even as the Coalition suffered a 3.6 percent swing and his own party lost four seats, Barilaro was easily reelected in Monaro. He picked up a swing of over nine percent, enough to make Monaro a safe National seat. Following the 2019 state election, Barilaro was sworn in as the Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade in the second Berejiklian ministry, with effect from 2 April 2019.[19]

On 30 April 2020, Barilaro was considering stepping down from State politics to contest the federal seat of Eden-Monaro in its upcoming by-election, following Mike Kelly's immediate resignation from politics owing to personal and familial health issues,[20] but later withdrew his interest.[21] He attributed the decision to a lack of support from Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, whom he accused of fearing him as a leadership rival.[22] Barilaro then apologised for his actions.[23]

In the latter half of 2020, YouTube comedian and political commentator Jordan Shanks published videos criticising him for the 2019-20 bushfire season.[24] The videos included Shanks imitating and mocking Barilaro, who publicly expressed offence, claiming it had "racist undertones".[25] Shanks responded to Barilaro's comments by referring to Barilaro's positions on political correctness and on changing his forename from Giovanni to John.[26][27] A following video by Shanks was filmed at an Airbnb rental accommodation owned by Barilaro where he criticised him for pork barrelling.[28][29][30]

Barilaro is married to Deanna; together they have three daughters and live in Jerrabomberra.[31] He is currently working towards completion of Certificate IV, Frontline Business Management with the Housing Industry Association.[5]

Barilaro's father, Domenico, passed away in early 2020.[32] Barilaro's aunt, Maria Inzillo, and her husband, Damiani Nesci, died from COVID-19 in December 2020.[33]

• National Party – John Barilaro, Member for Monaro
• Queanbeyan City Council – Cr John Barilaro