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Australian politician and radio host From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Meryl Jane Swanson (née Partridge; born 3 September 1970) is an Australian politician and former radio presenter. She is a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and has represented the Division of Paterson in the Australian House of Representatives since the 2016 federal election.[1][2]
Meryl Swanson | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Swanson in 2012 | |
| Member of the Australian Parliament for Paterson | |
| Assumed office 2 July 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Bob Baldwin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Meryl Jane Partridge 3 September 1970 Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia |
| Citizenship | Australian |
| Political party | Australian Labor Party |
| Spouse | Nick Swanson |
| Residence | Buchanan |
| Alma mater | University of Newcastle |
| Website | www |
Swanson was born on 3 September 1970 in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales.[3] She grew up in nearby Heddon Greta.[4] She holds the degrees of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Newcastle. After graduating she worked in broadcasting for several years, as a researcher, producer and reporter for NBN Television and as a presenter with 2KO. She later worked as a business manager for the Hunter Region Organisation of Councils (1993–1996), as an electorate officer for Joel Fitzgibbon (1996–1997), and as executive director of Hunter Tourism (1997). After starting a family she operated a café for several years and then returned to radio with 2HD and 2NUR.[3]
Swanson was elected to parliament at the 2016 federal election, winning the seat for the Labor Party following the retirement of incumbent Liberal MP Bob Baldwin. She was assisted by a favourable redistribution prior to the election.[5] She retained the seat at the 2019 election despite a five-point swing against the ALP.[6]
After the 2019 election, Swanson endorsed Joel Fitzgibbon for the leadership of the ALP, although he eventually decided not to stand.[7] In August 2020 she was appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence in Anthony Albanese's shadow ministry.[3]
Following the ALP's victory at the 2022 election, Swanson was appointed chair of the House Standing Committee on Agriculture.[8] She oversaw what she described as "the most substantial inquiry into Australia's food systems in a decade", with its report delivered in December 2023 recommending the government develop a national food plan, appoint a minister for food and establish a food council.[9]
Swanson is a member of the Labor Right faction. In March 2021 she "urged MPs [...] to be careful about the way they talked about taking action on climate change, arguing that coal workers should not feel demonised as Australia transitions to a low-emissions future".[10]
Swanson has two daughters with her husband Nick and lives on a 50-acre (20 ha) property in Buchanan.[11] As of 2019[update] she was a co-owner and director of Swanridge Investments Pty Ltd, which sells horse rugs.[12]
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