College Honour Roll

The son of Italian migrants, Raff grew up in Melbourne’s south east where the values of hard work, family and community were central to everyday life. These principles shaped his outlook from an early age. As a teenager he began working at a local dry cleaners, gaining an early appreciation for the value of work and the importance of opportunity. His interest in politics developed during his final years at school, and in 2000 he joined the Australian Labor Party, inspired by a belief that government should improve the lives of working people.

After completing his studies, Raff began his career in financial planning. However, he soon recognised that his true passion lay in advocacy and public policy. This led him to the labour movement, where he worked with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) advocating for improved wages and conditions for retail, fast food and warehousing workers. During this time he was involved in campaigns that helped recover underpaid wages for vulnerable employees, including workers affected by the 7 Eleven wage scandal. These experiences strengthened his commitment to fairness, justice and workplace rights.

Raff later served as an adviser to Senator the Hon. Jacinta Collins, focusing on workplace relations policy and gaining valuable experience in the workings of federal parliament and public policy.

On 6 March 2019, Raff Ciccone was appointed as the 100th Senator for Victoria in the Australian Parliament. Since entering the Senate he has taken on a range of significant responsibilities across several parliamentary committees. His work has focused particularly on areas of national importance including foreign affairs, defence, national security and trade.

In 2024 Raff was elected Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, one of the most significant oversight committees within the Australian Parliament. He also serves as Chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, as well as holding additional roles across several parliamentary committees. Through this work he contributes to the scrutiny of national security legislation and the oversight of Australia’s defence and foreign policy institutions.

Beyond his parliamentary work, Raff has remained actively engaged in community and public life. In 2024 he became the first father to bring his child onto the floor of the Australian Parliament, a moment that attracted national attention and symbolised the evolving nature of modern parliamentary life.

Raff also maintains a strong connection with Salesian College Chadstone. In 2025 he returned to the College to speak with Year 12 Global Politics students, sharing insights from his journey into politics and discussing the role of public service in shaping Australia’s future. His willingness to engage with students reflects his commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Raff Ciccone’s career demonstrates dedication to public service, leadership and advocacy for working Australians. His achievements in national politics and his ongoing connection to the Salesian community make him a worthy inductee into the Salesian College Chadstone Alumni Hall of Fame.