Chris Hayes was first elected to the Federal Parliament in the Seat of Werriwa in April 2005. Since 2010, he held the seat of Fowler. 

Chris was born at Camperdown and grew up in Padstow. He attended De La Salle College Revesby. He studied Personnel Administration at TAFE, followed by Sydney University, gaining a Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations and Law.

Chris married Bernadette in 1976. They have two sons a daughter and are proud grandparents of eleven.

Chris has had a career in representing working people, and was formerly the Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Workers Union. Later, he acted as a senior adviser to the Police Federation of Australia.

As the Member for Fowler, Chris wants the best for local families and has focused on achieving better health outcomes for the community and educational opportunities for young people. He is committed to the development of the necessary infrastructure and jobs in Western Sydney, particularly ensuring the local community benefits from the establishment of the Badgery’s Creek Airport.

Chris was formally the Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement (PJC-LE), overseeing the activities of the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) as well as the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Currently, Chris holds the position of Chief Opposition Whip.