Chris was elected the Member for Terrigal in the 2007 NSW State Election.

Chris is currently Shadow Minister for Water Utilities, Shadow Minister for Housing, Shadow Minister for Local Government and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast .

Chris is married to Elizabeth and has three sons.

In 1970, after graduating from University with a degree in law, Chris moved to The Entrance to work in his uncle's law firm. Chris specialised in personal injury law and family law.

Originally living and working in The Entrance, Chris now lives in Wamberal where his three children grew up and attended local schools.

Chris is interested in fitness and has participated in long distance running and triathlons, as well as rowing for his local surf club. In 1997, Chris, with his eldest son, walked the Kokoda Track.

First elected in 1988 as the Member for Gosford to the NSW Parliament, Chris has held many positions - serving as Government Whip from 1991 to 1992 and then serving as Minister for the Environment from June 1992 - 1995 in the Fahey Government.

Whilst Minister for the Environment, Chris was responsible for developing the national initiative on lead free petrol and for the creation of a number of new National Parks and Wilderness Areas including Mount Popran National Park on the Central Coast.

After the Fahey Government left office in 1995, Chris has held a number of positions on the front bench of the Opposition - he has been Deputy Leader of the Opposition from 2002 - 2003, Shadow Attorney General, Shadow Minister for Planning, Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and Shadow Minister for Ports.

After the electoral redistribution in 2006, Chris stood for the new seat of Terrigal at the March 2007 NSW State Election.