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Bridget McKenzie

Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Positions and Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education
2022 Regional Australia Debate

Wednesday, 27 April 2022

The National Press Club of Australia

Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Positions and Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education, will address the National Press Club of Australia in the lead up to the Federal Election. 


Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie was privileged to be sworn in a Minister of the Crown in July 2021.

Born and raised in rural Victoria, Bridget was encouraged to be proud and passionate about regional Australia.

A staunch supporter of the small business, agriculture, forestry, mining and manufacturing industries, she is looking forward to promoting and supporting safe and prosperous regional communities.

Bridget firmly believes it is in the national interest for regional Australia to be strong and successful. She recognises the importance of jobs, education, a skilled workforce and self-sufficiency.

Previously, Bridget McKenzie had the honour of serving as Deputy Leader of the Nationals (2017) and was appointed Australia’s first female Agriculture Minister (2019).

It was during this time she introduced key policies such as the dairy code, as well as boosted biosecurity measures to help protect Australia’s primary industries.

In addition to her current ministerial role, Bridget is also the Leader of the Nationals in the Senate and is the first woman to be elected to that position.

In her role as Senator for Victoria, Bridget has chaired several committees including the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee as well as the committee for Joint Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade committee.

As Minister for Rural Health (2017), Bridget drove the establishment of the Murray Darling Medical School to increase the number of GP’s practicing in rural areas.

During the 2019-20 bushfires, she advocated for the provision of emergency support and recovery projects to assist affected communities to recover.

Among her other achievements, Bridget fought to achieve landmark legislation for cooperatives, including support for Australia Post to ensure its focus on rural and regional Australia and equitable local content in regional broadcasting.

In 2019 she authored on contributions made to the nation by former Prime Minister and Country Party giant, Sir John ‘Black Jack’ McEwen.

Bridget lives in Wodonga and enjoys all things outdoors, including learning to play golf, shooting and sailing when she can.


Terms and conditions:

By purchasing tickets, you indicate your acceptance of the following terms and conditions of sale.

1. You are not to attend the event if:

  • a.  you are suffering any symptoms of disease caused by COVID-19;
  • b.  you have tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 7 days;
  • c.  you believe that you may have been exposed to or may test positive for COVID-19;  or
  • d.  you have been advised or required to self-isolate or quarantine.

If you cannot attend the event by reason of this clause, please contact the National Press Club on npc@npc.org.au prior to the event to discuss options

2. If tickets are canceled by the National Press Club or the Speaker for any reason in connection with COVID-19, you will be entitled to a refund or exchange.

3. Once confirmed, your ticket and any transaction fee will not be refunded or exchanged, except as provided for above or as required by law (including the Australian Consumer Law).

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