He attended primary and secondary school in Elizabeth. He went on to attend the University of South Australia, and to receive an Honours degree in History from the University of Adelaide.
After University, Lee managed a northern suburbs video store before joining the police force in 2000 serving at Elizabeth Patrols and Enquiries Sections.
Since his election in 2010, Lee has served on various committees of the Parliament, including as presiding member of the Economic and Finance Committee.