Raised on the north coast of New South Wales, Senator Ayres studied industrial relations at the University of Sydney. After university, he held senior elected positions in the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union. Elected as a NSW Senator in 2019, he served as Assistant Minister for Trade, Manufacturing and Future Made in Australia. He has consistently advocated for strong, sovereign manufacturing and secure, well-paid jobs. In 2025, he became Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science