Meryl Swanson

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 House of Representatives since the 2016 federal election.[1][2]

Meryl Swanson

MP
Member of the Australian Parliament
for Paterson
Assumed office
2 July 2016
Preceded byBob Baldwin
Personal details
Born
Meryl Jane Partridge

(1970-09-03) 3 September 1970
Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia
CitizenshipAustralian
Political partyLabor
Spouse(s)Nick Swanson
Children2 daughters
ResidenceBuchanan
Alma materUniversity of Newcastle

Early life

Swanson was born in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales,[3] and 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 cafe for several years and then returned to radio with 2HD and 2NUR.[3]

Politics

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]

Personal life

Swanson has two daughters with her husband Nick and lives on a 50-acre (20 ha) property in Buchanan.[8] As of 2019 she was a co-owner and director of Swanridge Investments Pty Ltd, which sells horse rugs.[9]

References
  1. "Electorate: Paterson". Australia Votes - Federal Election 2016. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  2. "Meryl Swanson has become Paterson's first female MP". Port Stephens Examiner. Fairfax regional Media. 5 July 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  3. "Ms Meryl Swanson MP". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  4. "Maiden speech". Hansard. Parliament of Australia. 10 October 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  5. McGowan, Michael (2 July 2016). "Paterson Australian federal election results 2016: Labor's Swanson secures clean sweep". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  6. Swinton, Sage (4 June 2019). "Meryl Swanson officially declared as Paterson MP after 2019 Federal Election". Maitland Mercury. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  7. Elias, Charlie (23 May 2019). "Labor's Meryl Swanson holds on to Paterson seat despite 5 per cent swing to Liberal's Sachin Joshi". Port Stephens Examiner. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  8. "About Meryl Swanson". Meryl Swanson MP. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  9. "Federal election 2019: Paterson MP Meryl Swanson denies attack on eligibility". Newcastle Herald. 7 May 2019. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
Parliament of Australia
Preceded by
Bob Baldwin		 Member for Paterson
2016–present		 Incumbent


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