Paul was born in Bunbury, Western Australia and raised in the small country town of Burekup before joining the Navy at 15 years of age in 1978. My military career lasted 26 years, during which time he became a Navy Clearance Diver, served in the counter terrorist squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment and deployed twice to Iraq on operations.

The military provided many opportunities to develop and exercise leadership and Paul was fortunate to have served as Commanding Officer of a Clearance Diving Team and a Patrol Boat. His final military posting was as manager of the Navy’s Submarine Escape and Rescue Service.

After leaving the military in 2004 Paul worked with his wife in small business before having the honour of being elected to represent the seat of Peel at a by-election in February 2007. At the 2008 state election, the seat of Peel was split and was elected to the new seat of Warnbro. He was re-elected to the seat of Warnbro at the elections in 2013 and 2017.

Paul currently hold the portfolios of Tourism; Racing and Gaming; Small Business; Defence Issues; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests.