Minister for Agriculture and Small Business
Member for Ripon 

Joe Helper was born in Germany in 1959, and moved with his family to Melbourne in 1971.

Joe started his working life as a motor mechanic and also worked for a number of State and Federal MP's and the Victorian (?) Public Service.

In 1996, Joe returned to his trade when he became the proprietor of Newstead Motors. Having run his own business, Joe understands the important role played by small business in communities throughout Victoria.

In October 1999, Joe was elected to State Parliament as the Member for Ripon. Building on his interest in regional issues, in 2002 Joe was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development.

Following the State election in 2006, Joe was appointed Minister for Agriculture and appointed Minister for Small Business in 2007.

Ten years ago, Joe and his wife Julie moved to Yandoit to build a home on a small rural property and have two children, Megan and Patrick.