Deputy leader of the Federal National Party Bridget McKenzie is the second consecutive woman to hold the position. She was elected to the Senate in 2016 and was appointed deputy leader of the Nationals in December 2017.
Bridget’s family has lived and worked in regional Victoria for generations. Growing up with the traditional rural influences of small business, sport and agriculture, Bridget is firm in her belief that strong regional economies and secure regional communities are critical to prosperity. Before entering politics, Bridget was a secondary mathematics and physical education teacher for four years and a university lecturer of the Faculty of Education at Monash University. Bridget says these working experiences and her experience as a parent have ignited and fuelled her passion for education and youth. She says she is committed to improving opportunities for young Australians and encouraging their growth through education, no matter where they live.
Bridget’s penchant for research and evaluation fits well with her role in the Senate, where she is an active member of several Senate Committees, enabling her to listen to the thoughts and opinions of the community, hear evidence from members of the public and consider policy matters across a broad range of portfolios.
A big netball fan and general sports enthusiast, Bridget is also proud to promote healthy, active lifestyles and community connectedness through grassroots sport. As a senator dedicated to those who live and work outside the cities, Bridget has established her electorate office in the geographical centre of Victoria, Bendigo.
