James Robert Porter OAM (born 19 February 1950) is an Australian politician.
He was promoted to the shadow ministry after the Liberal government was defeated at the 1983 election and served as opposition spokesperson for a succession of portfolios including Aboriginal affairs (1983-1984), health (1984-1987), family and community services and social security (1987) and housing and public administration (1987-1988).
He was praised by conservatives for his performance in Aboriginal affairs at a time when the Labor government faced challenges relating to native title and was later credited with leading the opposition's attack on the controversial Australia Card proposal.
[6] He faced strong pressure to resign immediately to allow McLachlan to enter parliament at a by-election, with rumours that he would be offered another position such as High Commissioner in London so that he would resign, but refused and remained until the 1990 election.
[7][1][8] Porter was elected as a vice-president of the state branch of the Liberal Party in August 1989 while still an MP.