 richard mansell colbeck (born 5 april 1958), australian politician, is a liberal member of the australian senate representing tasmania. he was born in myrtleford, victoria, and was educated at devonport technical college. he was a building estimator and supervisor, managing director and proprietor of a building consultancy before entering politics.  ==early career== in his early years, colbeck gained qualifications in small business management; technology (building); and carpentry and joinery trade and proficiency. he was an apprentice carpenter and joiner between 1977-79; a trainee estimator and supervisor 1977-79; and manager 1979-84. between 1984 and 1989 he was a building estimator and supervisor; and managing director and proprietor of building consultancy from 1989. from 1993-1996, and from 1998-2000, colbeck served as the president of the devonport chamber of commerce. from 1998-2001, he was a member of the board of directors of the tasmanian chamber of commerce and industry (tcci). from 1999-2002, he was an alderman of the devonport city council. ==political career== on 4 february 2002, colbeck was appointed to the federal senate by the governor of tasmania under section 15 of the constitution to represent that state in the senate, to fill the casual vacancy caused by the retirement of senator jocelyn newman. colbeck was elected in 2001 and his term began on 1 july 2002. he was re-elected in 2007. colbeck was appointed parliamentary secretary to the minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry in october 2004. in january 2006 he was appointed parliamentary secretary to the minister for finance and administration. with the defeat of the government led by john howard in 2007, colbeck was appointed to the shadow ministry, as shadow parliamentary secretary for health and was shifted to the role of shadow parliamentary secretary for 
1958_births Liberal_Party_of_Australia_politicians Living_people Members_of_the_Australian_Senate Members_of_the_Australian_Senate_for_Tasmania