James Merlino was born in Melbourne. He attended Mt Lilydale College 1985-90 and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) at Melbourne University in 1996.
James was elected as the Member for Monbulk in 2002 and re-elected in November 2006.
Following the 2006 election, James was appointed as the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs.
After the resignation of Premier Bracks, James was also appointed as the Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs.
He was appointed Minister for Police and Corrections in October 2010.
James was re-elected in November 2010. He is currently the Shadow Minister for Police, TAC and Road Safety.
Before he entered parliament, James worked as a bricklayer’s labourer, an electorate officer for Jan Wilson MP, and as a National Industrial Officer for the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association.
He also served on local council as the councillor for Billanook Ward in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. He was Deputy Mayor from 2001-2002.
James is involved in many groups, including Morrison House Inc.; Monbulk RSL; Hawthorn Football Club and Montrose Football Club.
His interests include the environment, arts, reading, movies, dogs and the Hawthorn Football Club.