Mark Vaile
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Mark Anthony James Vaile (born 18 April 1956), Australian politician, is Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Leader of the National Party of Australia. He has been a member of the Australian House of Representatives since March 1993, representing the Division of Lyne, New South Wales.
Vaile was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and worked as a farm machinery retailer and stock and station and real estate agent before entering politics. He was a member of the Greater Taree City Council 1985-93, including three years as Deputy Mayor.
Vaile was Assistant National Party Whip 1994-96 and National Party Whip 1996-97. In 1997 he was appointed Minister for Transport and Regional Development, and in 1998 he became Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. In July 1999, following the resignation of Tim Fischer and the election of John Anderson as National Party leader, he was elected the party's Deputy Leader and became Minister for Trade. When John Anderson resigned in 2005, Vaile was elected Leader unopposed. On 6 July 2005 he was sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister.
Vaile's most difficult challenge has been the negotiation of the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which has been opposed by some traditional National Party constituencies such as the sugar industry. During 2005 he has been conducting negotiations for the proposed Australia-China Free Trade Agreement. He has also faced the difficult task of placating a rebellious back bench, notably Queensland Senator Barnaby Joyce, who has crossed the floor several times.
Vaile is married with three daughters and lives on a 40 ha (approx 99 acres) farm outside Taree.
See also
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