He was for a time the Shadow Assistant Minister to the Leader of the Opposition and Secretary to the Shadow Cabinet; however, he was removed from this role on Matthew Guy's return to the Liberal Party leadership in September 2021.[1][2]
Rowswell was Shadow Treasurer from December 2022 to January 2025 and was appointed Shadow Environment Minister.[3][4]
Early life and career
Rowswell was born at the Sandringham Hospital and grew up in the suburb of Beaumaris.[5] He was educated at St Bede's College in Mentone. Rowswell once studied to be a Catholic priest.[6]
Prior to his election to parliament, Rowswell worked as a political advisor and a communications manager for the defense contractor Raytheon.[7][8]
Political career and controversies
Rowswell was preselected as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Sandringham in 2018 over former councillor Felicity Frederico.[9] He suffered a 9.5% swing against him, but won the election by slightly over 500 votes.[7] While campaigning in 2017, a fundraiser for his campaign included former tennis player and apartheid supporter and anti-LGBT campaigner Margaret Court.[10][11]
Rowswells office on Bay Rd, Sandringham
Rowswell was appointed Shadow Minister for Energy in March 2021 by Michael O'Brien. When O'Brien was subject to a leadership spill and replaced by Matthew Guy in September 2021 Rowswell was removed from the shadow cabinet.[12]
Rowswell was accused of mocking those part of LGBT.[17]
Rowswell voted against Moira Deeming being reinstated to the Victorian Parliamentary Liberal Party.[18][19] Rowswell lost his position as Shadow Treasurer to James Newbury following John Pessuto's removal as Liberal leader
Rowswell went to England to examine freeports.[20]
