Mark Robinson

Mark Andrew Robinson (born 29 April 1963) is an Australian politician who is a former Deputy Speaker of the Queensland Legislative Assembly. From 2017 to 2024, he held the seat of Oodgeroo in the Legislative Assembly for the Liberal National Party (LNP), having previously represented the seat of Cleveland from 2009-2017.

Early life and education Robinson was born in Traralgon, Victoria. He has a PhD from the University of Queensland, a Master of Arts in International Studies from Griffith University, and a Bachelor of Science majoring in marine biology and zoology from James Cook University. He was a lecturer, teacher and charity manager before entering politics.

Member of Parliament In 2009, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Queensland as the Liberal National Party member for Cleveland.

He was appointed the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Apprenticeships and Trade Training in November 2010. Following the election of Campbell Newman as LNP Leader, Robinson was given the position of Shadow Minister for Main Roads, Fisheries and Marine Infrastructure.

Robinson announced his intention to retire from politics at the 2024 state election on 16 June 2023.

Personal life Mark is married to Julie Robinson and lives in Redland City; they have 7 children together.

Policies and views The Guardian has referred to Robinson as "ultra-conservative". Labor MP Jackie Trad once referred to him as an "extremist".

Abortion Robinson has been an outspoken critic of abortion, and has stated he believes life is sacred. He said he once believed that abortion was a personal and medical choice, but his views have since changed. As an MP, he attended multiple anti-abortion rallies including one in Melbourne, Victoria, with his wife, for which he charged taxpayers his travel expenses. while LNP MP Shane Knuth described him as a born-again Christian. In 2015 Robinson accused Australian politicians of "muspandering" (pandering to Muslims) and US politicians of "hispandering" (pandering to Hispanic Americans).

He has expressed support for "mainstream values"

During the debate about legalising same-sex marriage in Australia in 2017, Mark Robinson's wife, Julie Robinson, posted an anti-SSM sign on Labor MP Don Brown's office window. Brown asked for an apology. Mark defended his wife, and accused Don of having a "fragile ego". Julie eventually apologised.