 Studying at the University of Sydney, Aquilina completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education in 1971 and was a member of the University of Sydney Regiment between 1968 and 1970, although did not see active duty.He commenced teaching at Oaklands Central School as a high school teacher, before returning to Sydney.Whilst at university in 1970, Aquilina joined the Blacktown Branch of the Australian Labor Party.