Bridget McKenzie
Senator for Victoria
Leader of the Nationals in the Senate
Born and raised in rural Victoria, Bridget was encouraged to be proud and passionate about regional Australia with the traditional rural influences of small business, agriculture, and community.
Bridget is committed to ensuring that all Australians, regardless of where they live, have access to opportunities that will benefit them and their local communities.
A staunch believer that strong regional economies and secure regional communities are critical to the future prosperity of Australia, she recognises the importance of jobs, education, a skilled workforce, and self-sufficiency and fiercely advocates for these beliefs on the behalf of Regional Australians in her role as Senator.
Before entering politics, Bridget raised four children in regional Victoria, completed a double degree in applied science and teaching and then went to teach secondary mathematics and physical education and lectured in the Faculty of Education at Monash University.
These experiences have fuelled Bridget’s passion and commitment to enter politics and work to improve opportunities for all Australians.
Bridget was elected to the Senate of Victoria in 2010 and was re-elected in 2016, and 2022 respectively.
Bridget 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.
Bridget is currently serving as the Shadow Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, and is continuing her role Leader of the Nationals in the Senate which she has appointed to in 2019, she the first woman to hold this position.
As a Senator, 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.
In 2023 she chaired the Select Committee on Commonwealth Bilateral Air Service Agreements.
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.
Since becoming Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Bridget has been pursuing the government to quit cutting, cancelling, and delaying critical infrastructure projects, regional infrastructure programs across the country, and working to ensure a safe and competitive aviation industry for all Australians.
Outside of politics, Bridget completed her Masters in Education in 2023, and in 2019 she authored a book on contributions made to the nation by former Prime Minister and Country Party giant, Sir John ‘Black Jack’ McEwen.
Bridget lives in Wodonga, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchild, all things outdoors, including shooting and surfing and tries to get out for a long walk everyday no matter where she is.
