Sen. Susan McDonald (Nats-Qld) – Maiden Speech

This is the maiden speech by Senator Susan McDonald (Nationals-Queensland).

Listen to McDonald (23m):

Watch McDonald (29m):

Hansard transcript of maiden speech by Senator Susan McDonald (Nationals-Queensland).

The PRESIDENT (16:59): Pursuant to order, we’ll now move to first speeches. I call upon Senator McDonald to make her first speech and ask honourable senators that the usual courtesies be extended to her.

Senator MCDONALD (Queensland) (16:59): It is with much pride that I stand before you to make my first speech in the Senate. It is an incredible privilege to be elected by Queenslanders to be their voice in the Australian parliament in the Senate, the house that makes the ultimate determination on the passage of legislation. I take my seat in this chamber not because of any quota and not because of any faction. I do not believe in identity politics, because that leaves behind people who do not share that same identity. [Read more…]


Sen. Matthew Canavan (Nats-Qld) – Maiden Speech

Senator Matthew Canavan has delivered his maiden speech to the Senate.

Canavan

Canavan, a Nationals senator from Queensland, was elected at the 2013 federal election. His term began on July 1 and will expire on June 30, 2020. [Read more…]


Sen. James McGrath (Lib-Qld) – Maiden Speech

Senator James McGrath has delivered his first speech to the Senate.

McGrath

McGrath, a Liberal senator from Queensland, was elected at the 2013 federal election. His term began on July 1 and will end on June 30, 2020.

Prior to his election, McGrath worked as a political strategist and campaign director in Queensland. [Read more…]


Valedictory Speech: Senator Ron Boswell (Nats-Qld)

Senator Ron Boswell has given his valedictory speech, bringing to an end a 31-year political career for the Father of the Senate.

Boswell

Boswell was first elected to the Senate as a Nationals member from Queensland at the federal election of March 5, 1983, the election that brought the Hawke government to power. He was re-elected in 1987, 1990, 1996, 2001 and 2007. [Read more…]