As the nation prepares for another three years of debate, policy and (likely) annual changing of PMs in the wake of the federal election, many Australians may be feeling that it’s all a bit much trying to get a grip of a who’s who in politics.
If that’s you, never fear. Some of us don’t have lives are passionate about informing readers about the weird, quirky and wonderful characters that we’ve elected to parliament, as well as some of the better stories wrapped up in the entire affair.
So without further ado, sit back and prepare to become the most informed political fiend of your social circle, as you take in our list of nine significant players in the new-look Australian parliament for 2019.
Scott Morrison
Party: Coalition (PM)
Seat: Cook (up, up Cronulla)
Known for: Stopping the boats and (allegedly) shitting himself at Engadine Maccas in ‘97
Of course, we’re gonna start with the obvious. The god-fearing PM-elect is certainly better than some of the alternatives that exist in his party, and for the figurehead of the cashed-up Liberals, he boasts a surprising amount of charm.
A footy loving Dad at heart, while he certainly is leading a divided party, thing’s might be just a little bit more relatable for the people watching on as a historic third term in government unfolds.
Anthony Albanese
Party: Labour (opposition leader)
Seat: Grayndler (inner west Sydney)
Known for: Jumping on the decks at the Annandale
Does it get any cooler than a politician who likes to spin some You Am I on Rage and hit the DF with the punters in a Parramatta Road local? When you consider the fact that in three years this could be your next Prime Minister, thing’s look positive.
Personable, a larrikin and always fond of a chin-wag with the locals, expect to see ‘Albo’ channelling his inner Bob Hawke (RIP) on your screens for the next few years.
Check out Albo on the famed red couch
Tony Bourke
Party: Labour
Seat: Watson (inner south-west Sydney)
Known for: “Save live music” and cutting off liberals in parliament
Another gig punter at heart, Bourke will head into the new parliamentary season as manager of opposition business, essentially meaning that he represents the labour side of thing’s when the house gets a bit rowdy (every day).
Basically, if labour was a cricket team, Bourke would be in the slips jabbering away and then pleading innocence to the umpire.
Tim Wilson
Party: Coalition
Seat: Goldstein (Victoria)
Known for: Proposing to his now-husband in the house
In one of the most heart-warming videos ever to come out of the Canberra bubble, Wilson became the first gay liberal MP to become engaged to and subsequently married his now-husband, a huge moment of an MP in a party that was, and still is, rife with division on the issue of same-sex marriage.
Aside from this example of bipartisanship in the house, Wilson was a strong campaigner against Labours policy of removing franking credits, so expect a target to be on his back.
Get some tissues and check out this proposal
Bob Katter
Party: Katter’s Australian Party
Seat: Kennedy (North Queensland)
Known for: Akubra’s and being concerned about people being ripped apart by crocs
Without further explanation, behold one of the greatest news grabs to come out of the last decade.
Adam Bandt
Party: Greens
Seat: Melbourne (of course)
Known for: Bragging about his “hot wife” on Twitter
While we like to try and not think about politicians and their loved ones (cue, this moment in time), Green’s leader Adam Bandt had his hot water moment last year when he called his wife “hot” and sparked a barrage on social media, with some accusing him of sexism.
Despite the moment being a peak progressive politics problem, Bandt has since put the issue behind him and is the Green’s sole representative in the lower house – diversity that ever so needed.
Karren Andrews
Party: Coalition
Seat: McPherson (south-east Queensland)
Known for: A woman in the coalition
McPherson will be approaching a decade in the nation’s capital when she takes on the role of Minister for Industry, Science and Technology in the new-look Morrison government.
With a record number of women taking their place in the Morrison cabinet, it’s refreshing to see Andrews reappointed to the ministry, especially as Australia continues to move forward into the future. Hopefully, she relaxes her love of coal soon, however.
Linda Burnie
Party: Labour
Seat: Barton (Southwest Sydney)
Known for: First Indigenous woman elected to parliament
A massive step for first nation’s people in the country, Burnie made history in the 2016 election when she entered the lower house, and she will continue to be a voice for Indigenous people’s moving forward.
She will head into the new chapter serving as shadow minister for families and social services, with helping to pass legislation aimed at reducing domestic violence rates a major task facing her.
Ken Wyatt
Party: Coalition
Seat: Hasluck (WA)
Known for: First Indigenous minister for the portfolio of Indigenous Australians
It seems crazy that it’s taken this long for an indigenous person to represent the Indigenous ministry in parliament, but better late than never.
With a decade of experience playing the political game behind him, Wyatt has also been elevated to the cabinet (basically the inner circle), so expect first nations Australians to hopefully have more of a voice.
Watch the moment Ken Wyatt is sworn in, alongside the Morrison cabinet
