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| birthname = William David Fowles
| nationality = [[Australian]]
| party = [[Independent
| otherparty = [[Victorian Labor Party|Labor]]{{efn|In 2023, Fowles was removed from the parliamentary Labor caucus. He still remains a rank-and-file member of the Labor party.<ref name="Eddie-2024">{{cite news |last1=Eddie |first1=Rachel |title=Premier won’t bring Will Fowles back to Labor caucus after police drop investigation |url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/no-charges-against-ousted-labor-mp-will-fowles-20240130-p5f148.html |access-date=2024-05-01 |agency=[[The Age]] |date=2024-01-30 |quote=Fowles remains a member of parliament as an independent and is still a member of the broader Victorian Labor Party. |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501110919/https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/no-charges-against-ousted-labor-mp-will-fowles-20240130-p5f148.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| spouse =
| relations =
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| residence = [[Ringwood, Victoria|Ringwood]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]]
}}
'''Will Fowles''' (born 27 July 1978) is an Australian politician. He has been a member of the [[Victorian Legislative Assembly]] since November 2018, initially representing the seat of [[Electoral district of Burwood|Burwood]] in Melbourne's
==Early life and education==
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==Pre-parliamentary career==
Following his graduation from Monash University, Fowles worked for [[Unilever]] and investment firm Scarborough Capital before starting his own business, Piper Capital, in 2006. Piper Capital managed a portfolio including the Food and Wine Co. in Melbourne and the [[Heritage Hotel, Rockhampton|Heritage Hotel]] in [[Rockhampton]], Queensland until the hotel went into receivership and had to be sold due to mounting debts.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-03-12 |title=Rockhampton's Heritage Hotel goes into receivership |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-12/rockhamptons-heritage-hotel-goes-into-receivership/6307286 |access-date=2024-04-10 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410042402/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-12/rockhamptons-heritage-hotel-goes-into-receivership/6307286 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, Fowles founded Piper Communications, which provided strategic communications advice and advocacy for both commercial and not-for-profit clients.
Fowles has also served on key sporting boards and committees. In 2005, he became the youngest ever member of the [[Melbourne Cricket Club|MCC Committee]], ultimately being re-elected twice and serving nine years in that role.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Melbourne Cricket Club, 2013/14 Annual Report|url=http://footyindustry.com/files/2014%20Reports/Stadiums/MCC%202014%20Annual%20Report.pdf|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Sports Industry Australia|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085536/http://footyindustry.com/files/2014%20Reports/Stadiums/MCC%202014%20Annual%20Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, he was appointed as a Trustee of the [[Melbourne Park|Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust]] in 2015, where he served until 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Melbourne Olympic Parks Trust, 2016/17 Annual Report|url=https://www.mopt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/AnnualReport2017.pdf|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Victorian Government Library Service|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024174244/https://www.mopt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/AnnualReport2017.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Political career==
Fowles joined the Australian Labor Party at age 21 and became involved in local branches in Hawthorn, [[Richmond, Victoria|Richmond]] and [[Burwood, Victoria|Burwood]]. A staunch Republican, he was elected as National Youth Convenor of the [[Australian Republic Movement|Australian Republican Movement]] at age 23. He continued to serve in various positions in the Republican Movement until 2018.
In 2002 Fowles stood as a candidate in the [[Electoral results for the East Yarra Province|East Yarra by-election]] gaining an 8.8% swing to Labor, but failing narrowly to defeat Liberal MP [[Richard Dalla-Riva]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 2003|title=2002 Victorian State election - Report to Parliament|url=https://www.vgls.vic.gov.au/client/en_AU/VGLS-public/search/detailnonmodal?qu=Elections.&d=ent%3A%2F%2FSD_ILS%2F0%2FSD_ILS%3A627572%7E%7E0&ps=300&h=8|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Victorian Government Library Service|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209194630/https://www.vgls.vic.gov.au/client/en_AU/VGLS-public/search/detailnonmodal?qu=Elections.&d=ent://SD_ILS/0/SD_ILS:627572~~0&ps=300&h=8|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2008, Fowles ran for [[Lord Mayor of Melbourne]] on the “Fowles: A Fresh Vision” ticket, advocating for stronger community engagement and accountability.
===Member for Burwood===
In the [[2018 Victorian state election|2018 Victorian Election]], Fowles stood as the Labor candidate for the seat of Burwood, in Melbourne's east, challenging incumbent Liberal MP [[Graham Watt]].<ref name="
Fowles secured 53.3% of the two-party preferred result thanks to a strong 6.47% swing towards Labor, unseating Graham Watt and becoming only the second Labor MP to hold the traditionally Liberal seat once held by former Premier [[Jeff Kennett]].<ref name="
In this electorate, Fowles delivered upgrades to Parkhill Primary School, Wattle Park Primary School and [[Ashwood High School]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Parkhill Primary School|url=https://www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au
Fowles was appointed to the Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee on 21 March 2019. Since then, the Committee has held inquiries into climate change action, environmental infrastructure and apartment design standards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Inquiries|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiries/inquiry/967|access-date=2021-12-07|website=www.parliament.vic.gov.au|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209195357/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiries/inquiry/967|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Environment and Planning|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiry/968|access-date=2021-12-07|website=www.parliament.vic.gov.au|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085536/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiry/968|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Environment and Planning|url=https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiry/1021|access-date=2021-12-07|website=www.parliament.vic.gov.au|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085536/https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/epc-la/inquiry/1021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 25 July 2019, Fowles was questioned by [[ACT Policing|ACT Police]] in [[Canberra]] following an incident in which he had kicked in the door of a hotel room at the Abode Apartments in [[Kingston, Australian Capital Territory|Kingston]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Josh |date=2019-07-25 |title=Victorian Labor MP Will Fowles questioned by police over Canberra hotel damage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/25/victorian-labor-mp-will-fowles-questioned-by-police-over-canberra-hotel-damage |access-date=2023-10-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123091534/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/25/victorian-labor-mp-will-fowles-questioned-by-police-over-canberra-hotel-damage |url-status=live }}</ref> Fowles was not charged with any offence and apologised for his actions, saying that he had been suffering from addiction and other mental health issues and had been attempting to retrieve medication from his luggage which was locked in the room.<ref name="
===Member for Ringwood===
In October 2021, the Victorian Electoral Boundaries Commission released the ''Report on the Redivision of Victorian Electoral Boundaries 2020–2021,'' confirming that Fowles' seat of [[Electoral district of Burwood|Burwood]] was to be abolished, and split between the existing seat of [[Electoral district of Box Hill|Box Hill]] and the new seat of [[Electoral district of Ashwood|Ashwood]]. This abolition resulted in Fowles standing for Ringwood electorate at the 2022 Victorian State Election, following the decision of incumbent Dustin Halse MP not to recontest.
Fowles subsequently moved to [[Ringwood, Victoria|Ringwood]] with his wife and their child, and won re-election at the [[2022 Victorian state election]] with a 3% drop in first preference, but a 4.3% two party preferred swing in his favour.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/vic/2022/guide/ring | title=Ringwood (Key Seat) - VIC Electorate, Candidates, Results | website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] | access-date=25 January 2023 | archive-date=25 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125093715/https://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/vic/2022/guide/ring | url-status=live }}</ref>
On 5 August 2023, Fowles resigned from the parliamentary Labor Party at the request of then
===Policy positions===
In his inaugural speech to Parliament following his election, Fowles spoke about the importance of addressing economic inequality and called for greater fairness in society. In particular, Fowles spoke about the need for more [[social housing]], and the improved social mobility that stems from this.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 December 2018|title=Governor's Speech - Address-in-Reply|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/?IW_INDEX=Hansard-2018-1&IW_FIELD_TEXT=SpeechIdKey%20CONTAINS%20(19-12-2018_assembly_1812191279)%20AND%20OrderId%20CONTAINS%20(0)&LDMS=Y|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Parliament of Victoria|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085536/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/?IW_INDEX=Hansard-2018-1&IW_FIELD_TEXT=SpeechIdKey%20CONTAINS%20%2819-12-2018_assembly_1812191279%29%20AND%20OrderId%20CONTAINS%20%280%29&LDMS=Y|url-status=live}}</ref> In his speech, he expressed his support for the [[Labour movement in Australia|labour movement]] and the goal of an Australian Republic. In Parliament, Fowles has spoken in favour of strong action on climate change,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowles|first=Will|date=14 August 2021|title=Climate Change|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/17f143c6-0696-4cdf-bbb9-6406e5470a67/37/doc/|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Parliament of Victoria|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085538/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/17f143c6-0696-4cdf-bbb9-6406e5470a67/37/doc/|url-status=live}}</ref> improved healthcare services,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowles|first=Will|date=16 September 2021|title=ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TREATMENT AMENDMENT BILL 2021|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/b652a599-d1df-4296-bff0-b4d27344e29b/10/doc/|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Parliament of Victoria|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085535/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/b652a599-d1df-4296-bff0-b4d27344e29b/10/doc/|url-status=live}}</ref> LGBTIQ+ rights,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowles|first=Will|date=27 October 2021|title=Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/1793e3da-64b4-4a2c-9ce8-96e07c9178c1/14/doc/|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Parliament of Victoria|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085540/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/1793e3da-64b4-4a2c-9ce8-96e07c9178c1/14/doc/|url-status=live}}</ref> women's rights<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowles|first=Will|date=18 March 2021|title=March 4 Justice|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/17f143c6-0696-4cdf-bbb9-6406e5470a67/68/doc/|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Parliament of Victoria|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085540/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/17f143c6-0696-4cdf-bbb9-6406e5470a67/68/doc/|url-status=live}}</ref> and investment in education and social housing.<ref name="
==Personal life==
Fowles lives in Ringwood with his wife Jessica and has four children. He has been married twice, most recently in 2017.
Fowles is a strong advocate for mental health reform.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-25|title=Victorian Labor MP Will Fowles questioned by police over Canberra hotel damage|url=http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/25/victorian-labor-mp-will-fowles-questioned-by-police-over-canberra-hotel-damage|access-date=2021-12-07|website=the Guardian|language=en|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085539/https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/25/victorian-labor-mp-will-fowles-questioned-by-police-over-canberra-hotel-damage|url-status=live}}</ref> Fowles has openly discussed his struggles with [[Depression (mood)|depression]] and [[Anxiety disorder|anxiety]], which he was diagnosed with in 2006. “My focus is on … working hard on my mental health and being a better rep”.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-10|title=Victorian MP Will Fowles admits he made a 'gargantuan mistake', but won't reveal details of his addiction|url=https://www.3aw.com.au/victorian-mp-will-fowles-admits-he-made-a-gargantuan-mistake-but-wont-reveal-details-of-his-addiction/|access-date=2021-12-07|website=3AW|language=en|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085535/https://www.3aw.com.au/victorian-mp-will-fowles-admits-he-made-a-gargantuan-mistake-but-wont-reveal-details-of-his-addiction/|url-status=live}}</ref> He has since been a strong supporter of Victoria's [[Mental Health Royal Commission|Royal Commission into Mental Health]], speaking in Parliament about his experiences with the mental health system after the final report was handed down in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowles|first=Will|date=4 March 2021|title=Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/e4b8cbc7-5747-4cd7-b80f-e513400848a5/7/doc/|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Parliament of Victoria|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085538/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/e4b8cbc7-5747-4cd7-b80f-e513400848a5/7/doc/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Fowles is a supporter of the [[Melbourne Demons]] and has been a member since 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowles|first=Will|date=5 October 2021|title=Water and Catchment Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 - Second Reading|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/19a313d5-423b-437b-9a58-79794689e895/3/doc/|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Parliament of Victoria|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207085535/https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/19a313d5-423b-437b-9a58-79794689e895/3/doc/|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
==Notes==
▲Fowles is a supporter of the [[Melbourne Demons]] and has been a member since 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fowles|first=Will|date=5 October 2021|title=Water and Catchment Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 - Second Reading|url=https://hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au/isysquery/19a313d5-423b-437b-9a58-79794689e895/3/doc/|access-date=7 December 2021|website=Parliament of Victoria}}</ref>
{{Notelist}}
==References==
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