Meryl Swanson
Australian Labor Party Member for Paterson
Currently sitting
Photo: Keating1975, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Paterson (House) - 2 Jul 2016 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (02) 4983 2401
35 Sturgeon Street, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
Office details: Parliament of Australia, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Contact details on aph.gov.au Profile on OpenAustraliaNot sure if this is your member? Find your electorate (AEC)
These counts cover what is on this site only. They do not measure electorate work or committee work.
Compared with other members
Meryl Swanson compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 79% of House members- This member
- 18
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 69% of House members- This member
- 21
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Lower than 89% of House members- This member
- 190
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 90% of House members- This member
- 57%
- Average
- 79%
- Median
- 81%
Read these with care
- The median is the middle member: half did more, half did less. It is less affected by a few very active members than the average.
- Ministers answer questions rather than ask them, and the presiding officers rarely vote, so their patterns differ.
- Government backbenchers are often given arranged "Dorothy Dixer" questions, which raises their question counts.
- Votes only record ayes and noes, so a missed vote cannot be told apart from a pair (an agreed absence).
- Counts cover only what is on this site, and do not measure electorate or committee work. New members have less history.
Question Time
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked for details on how the government was assisting first home buyers and why its policies were better than alternative approaches.
Background: The member asked how the government was bringing about genuine change for first home buyers and why this method was better than alternatives.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The Minister highlighted that over 2,000 people in the member's electorate had accessed their first home with government assistance. She described the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, the five per cent deposit program, and new legislation to ensure a level playing field at auctions. The Minister stated that these measures would help 75,000 households move from renting to owning. She contrasted this with the opposition's vote against these measures, claiming they opposed expanding the deposit program and scrapping Help to Buy, thereby disadvantaging first home buyers.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked for an explanation of the importance of the legal proceedings initiated against 3M Australia and 3M Company in the Federal Court.
Background: A government member asked the Attorney-General about the significance of the Commonwealth's legal action against 3M regarding PFAS contamination.
Answer from Michelle Rowland
The Attorney-General stated that the Commonwealth was seeking over $2 billion in damages for costs incurred in investigating and managing PFAS contamination from firefighting foam. She noted that this represented the biggest lawsuit ever filed by the federal government, alleging that 3M withheld information and misrepresented the environmental impacts of the foam. The Minister emphasized that the government was committed to holding companies accountable and protecting Australians, including defense personnel and local communities, from the consequences of contamination.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked what actions the government has taken to support women experiencing menopause and perimenopause and why open discussion is important.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Health and Ageing about actions taken to help women going through menopause and perimenopause.
Answer from Mark Butler
The Minister highlighted the launch of a national information campaign to break the silence around menopause. He noted that a new Medicare item has been used by over 105,000 women and that three new treatments were added to the PBS, saving users up to $580 annually. He also mentioned updated clinical guidelines and increased training for health professionals to improve care.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the budget would deliver for regional Australia and how this compared to alternative approaches.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Regional Development how the budget would deliver for regional Australia and how this compared to other approaches.
Answer from Kristy McBain
The Minister highlighted a $14.8 billion plan to secure fuel and strengthen supply chains. She noted a nearly $580 million investment to keep Medicare urgent care clinics open, with 47 clinics in regional, rural, and remote areas. The Minister mentioned a $25 million investment for six new bulk-billing clinics in the Hunter region. She stated that $500 million was dedicated to local enabling infrastructure for housing in regional Australia. Additionally, an extra $750 million was committed to the Growing Regions Program and Thriving Suburbs Program, bringing total investment since 2022 to $1.7 billion.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member inquired how the government was ensuring affordable gas prices and what alternative policies were available.
Background: The member asked about government actions to secure affordable gas for households and businesses and whether alternative approaches existed.
Answer from Madeleine King
The Minister stated that the government would introduce a policy reserving 20 per cent of domestic gas to ensure more supply for Australian households and industry at affordable prices. Existing export contracts would be respected. The measure would separate domestic and international gas prices, shielding users from global volatility. The Minister criticized the previous government for allowing the Domestic Gas Security Mechanism to expire and for voting against lower gas prices and market reforms.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked what actions the government was taking to support farmers and producers in managing disruptions from the Middle East conflict.
Background: Farmers were facing disruptions from the conflict in the Middle East.
Answer from Julie Collins
The Minister highlighted the National Fuel Security Plan, which included underwriting fuel and fertiliser purchases. She noted that 20 per cent of fuel reserves were released to address regional shortages and that fuel standards were adjusted. The National Food Council was tasked with monitoring the conflict's impact, and a national food supply chain assessment was commissioned. Biosecurity processes were strengthened to prioritize fertiliser cargoes.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the government was supporting Australians, how its leadership differed from others, and why consistency of leadership was important.
Background: The member asked about the government's support for Australians and the importance of consistent leadership.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister listed government achievements including strengthening Medicare, building homes, cutting taxes, and securing fuel reserves. He criticized the opposition for internal instability and political opportunism, citing recent coalition splits and leadership challenges. He contrasted the government's focus on national interest with the opposition's focus on internal security and drama, asserting that the government would continue to govern responsibly.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the government was working with farmers to manage the conflict's impact and improve food security.
Background: A government member asked about government efforts to manage the impact of the Middle East conflict on agriculture.
Answer from Julie Collins
The minister stated that the government was monitoring impacts and working with exporters to ensure safe return of disrupted products. She highlighted a roundtable with industry groups and noted that most fertilizer for the upcoming planting season was already in the country or on the water. She emphasized that fuel and fertilizer supply chain resilience was a key priority of the national food security strategy.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the government was furthering the delivery of high-speed rail and how this compared to other approaches.
Background: The government was advancing high-speed rail planning.
Answer from Catherine King
The Minister stated that the government was entering the development phase for the Newcastle to Sydney line, involving detailed planning and design work. She noted that industry briefings were scheduled for April. She contrasted this steady approach with the previous government's handling of Inland Rail, which she claimed lacked a clear plan and resulted in significant cost blowouts. She highlighted progress on the Beveridge intermodal and prioritising the Parkes section for double-stack trains.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked what the government was doing to enhance regional community roads and infrastructure, and how this compared to other approaches.
Background: The government was investing in local roads and infrastructure in regional communities.
Answer from Kristy McBain
The Minister announced $4.4 billion over five years for the Roads to Recovery program, an increase of $1.8 billion. She highlighted the Growing Regions program delivering $600 million for projects, and increased Black Spot funding to $150 million annually. She noted the launch of a $200 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure program and restored highway maintenance funding from $350 million to $460 million. She contrasted this with the previous government's freeze on funding.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the government is rebuilding trading relationships to deliver opportunities for farmers and why strong relationships are key.
Background: The government is seeking to rebuild trading relationships for Australian farmers.
Answer from Julie Collins
The Minister reported that agricultural exports were predicted to reach over $83 billion this financial year. She cited 256 market access achievements, including a free trade agreement with the UAE and new access for blueberries to Vietnam. She emphasised that diversified trade and stable relationships benefit regional jobs and economies.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member requested an update on the implementation of AUKUS and inquired about other strategies being considered.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Defence about the progress of AUKUS and alternative approaches.
Answer from Richard Marles
The minister highlighted the maintenance of the USS Vermont at HMAS Stirling, noting that 120 Australian workers were involved and 10 per cent of the crew were Australian submariners. He described this as a key example of AUKUS delivery. He criticized the opposition for lacking detailed defence plans and strategic intent, citing internal divisions within the coalition.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the free trade agreement would expand opportunities for farmers and producers and benefit regional communities.
Background: The free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates had recently come into force.
Answer from Julie Collins
The minister stated that the agreement eliminated tariffs on more than 99 per cent of Australian agricultural exports, with most tariffs removed immediately for red meat, grains, oilseeds, and dairy. She noted that tariffs on poultry, bread, and pastry would phase out over three to five years. The deal was expected to slash around $50 million a year in tariffs, supporting regional jobs and growth, with UAE agricultural exports currently valued at $1.7 billion.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the government was supporting veterans and whether any threats to this support existed.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs about support for veterans and potential threats to this support.
Answer from Matt Keogh
The Minister stated that the Department of Veterans' Affairs was the best resourced in decades, with 640 additional staff hired since 2022. He reported that the backlog of 42,000 unallocated claims had been cleared, reducing allocation time from 200 days to 14 days. He noted that claims lodged had increased from 66,000 in 2021-22 to 89,530 last year, with 148,294 decisions made in the first eight months of the current year. He warned that the opposition planned to roll back these staffing levels, which would threaten the processing of claims.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the government was making medicines cheaper for women and why these medicines had been off the PBS for so long.
Background: The government announced that new contraceptive pills and menopausal hormone therapies would be listed on the PBS.
Answer from Mark Butler
The Minister stated that two new oral contraceptive pills and three menopausal hormone treatments would be listed on the PBS from March 1, saving women between $200 and $580 annually. He noted that no new oral contraceptives had been listed in 30 years and no new menopausal treatments in 20 years. He criticized the previous government for failing to add any such medicines to the PBS during their nine years in office.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the government was supporting resources and manufacturing industries and whether alternative approaches would harm people.
Background: A government member asked about support for key industries.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister highlighted the securing of jobs in the Hunter region and the passage of production tax credits. He noted that the aluminium industry employs over 20,000 people directly and supports 55,000 indirectly. He criticized the opposition for voting against the legislation and cited historical opposition positions that favored exporting raw materials over domestic processing.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked how the government was securing jobs in the aluminium industry and if other policies would leave workers worse off.
Background: A government member asked the Industry Minister about job security for aluminium-producing communities and whether alternative approaches would harm families.
Answer from Ed Husic
The Minister stated that the government had invested $2 billion in production credits to support low-emission aluminium production, potentially opening up $122 billion in annual exports. He cited support from industry leaders and workers. He warned that the opposition's nuclear power plan and lack of transparency on cuts threatened these manufacturing jobs.
Question from Meryl Swanson
The member asked what steps the government had taken to reduce training costs and whether any proposals would leave Australians worse off.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Skills and Training about steps taken to reduce training costs and ensure Australians could access needed skills.
Answer from Andrew Giles
The Minister stated that free TAFE had delivered enrolments for nearly 600,000 Australians, with more than one-third in regional and rural areas. He noted that students could save between $4,400 and $8,800 depending on the course and location. He announced that free TAFE would be made permanent. He contrasted this with the Coalition's previous cuts to TAFE funding and their current plan to cut 'wasteful spending' to fund nuclear power.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Regional Ministerial Budget Statement
House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Ministerial Statement
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Wine Industry
House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 June 2026 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Albanese Government
House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Trade with the European Union
House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Doubling Penalties for ACCC Enforcement) Bill 2026, Fair Work Amendment (Fairer Fuel) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Agriculture Industry
House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Coal Mining Industry (Long Service Leave) Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Australian War Memorial
House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025, Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 February 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Tomago Aluminium, Paterson Electorate: Maitland Flyover
House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Regional Australia: Roads
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Timber industry
House of Representatives · Monday 27 October 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate
-
Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2025-2026; Consideration in Detail
House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Consideration in Detail
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme
House of Representatives · Monday 25 August 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Medicare
House of Representatives · Monday 10 February 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Agriculture Industry
House of Representatives · Monday 10 February 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 190
- Aye votes (50.5%)
- 96
- No votes (49.5%)
- 94
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
Rearrangement
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Minister for Defence Industry; Attempted Censure
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 41 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026;...
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 71, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee; Reference
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 13, Noes 78 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee; Reference
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 72, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee; Appointment
2 Jul 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 101 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 33 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 100, Noes 9 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 101, Noes 7 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 64 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 68 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Report from Federation Chamber
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 68 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 20...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 20...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 57 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 49 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 61 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 66 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 66 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 70 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 70 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 72 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 43, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED NO -
National Anti-Corruption Commission Joint Committee; Consideration of Senate ...
1 Jul 2026 · Ayes 93, Noes 45 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Member for Groom
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 102, Noes 33 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Reporting System Reform) Bill 2026; Consid...
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 98, Noes 40 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Reporting System Reform) Bill 2026; Consid...
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 91, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Albanese Government
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 91, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No...
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 97, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No...
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 91, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No...
30 Jun 2026 · Ayes 93, Noes 44 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Aviation Consumer Protection Bill 2026, Aviation Consumer Protection (Consequ...
29 Jun 2026 · Ayes 47, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Prime Minister; Attempted Censure
25 Jun 2026 · Ayes 87, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate...
25 Jun 2026 · Ayes 98, Noes 39 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate...
25 Jun 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Budget
25 Jun 2026 · Ayes 89, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private H...
25 Jun 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 69 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private H...
25 Jun 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 71 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Health Legislation Amendment (Improving Choice and Transparency for Private H...
25 Jun 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 71 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No...
24 Jun 2026 · Ayes 87, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No...
24 Jun 2026 · Ayes 44, Noes 88 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No...
24 Jun 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 45 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Workplace Relations Legislation Amendment (Building Cooperative Workplaces No...
24 Jun 2026 · Ayes 8, Noes 73 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief No. 2) Bill 2026; Second Reading
23 Jun 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 74 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
23 Jun 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 46 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Gambling Advertising
22 Jun 2026 · Ayes 72, Noes 13 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Third Reading
4 Jun 2026 · Ayes 94, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Consideration in Det
4 Jun 2026 · Ayes 94, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Consideration in Det
4 Jun 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 73 · Failed
VOTED NO
About this page
This page tracks Meryl Swanson's parliamentary activity: questions asked and answered in Question Time, debates spoken in, and votes in divisions. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; each one links to the official record.