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Mark Anthony James Vaile (born 18 April 1956 ), Australia n 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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