Paul Lucas is the Minister for Innovation and Information Economy, and the Minister with responsibility for Energy in the Queensland State Government. Mr Lucas was appointed to Innovation and Information Economy - the first ministry of its kind in Australia - following the 2001 State Election, which saw the return of the Beattie Labor Government for a second three year term. In December 2002, he was given additional Ministerial responsibility for Energy.

Mr Lucas, 40, was a solicitor prior to entering Parliament, has Bachelor degrees in Economics and in Law and a Master of Business Administration.

He was elected to the Queensland Parliament in October 1996 as the Member for Lytton, an electorate which covers several bayside suburbs in Brisbane's east.

His portfolio is helping position Queensland as Australia's 'Smart State'. Priorities include fostering the development of emerging knowledge industries, promoting technology and e-commerce, encouraging all Queenslanders to learn ICT skills and enabling biotechnology industries to grow in a safe and ethical environment.

Mr Lucas is keen to grow Queensland's multi billion dollar energy industry and see the state lead the nation in developing competitive gas and electricity markets that will deliver lower energy prices and greater choices to consumers.

Mr Lucas' personal interests include music, reading and refereeing kids football matches. He and his wife Sharon have three sons and a daughter.