Phillip Thompson
LNP Federal

Shadow Minister for Defence Industry

Very Safe

13.41% Margin

Elected 2019

7 years

Member for Herbert (QLD)

Federal - QLD

Phillip was born in 1988 in Armidale, NSW. He was the eldest of three, raised by his single mother.

At 17, Thompson enlisted in the Australian Army, where he undertook training at Kapooka and Singleton. Phillip was deployed to East Timor in 2007 and, in 2009, at the age of 21, to Afghanistan. He was wounded in action when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated within one metre of him. The blast resulted in Phillip sustaining severe physical and emotional injuries – he was medically eva...

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Portfolios

  • Shadow Minister for Defence Industry
  • Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel
  • Shadow Cabinet Minister

Committees

  • Defence

Key Staff

  • Neil Helmore

    Media Advisor

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Carly Crompton

    Office Manager

    ****@****.gov.au

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First Speech in Parliament

4 July 2019

# Indigenous Affairs # Defence and Veterans # Economic Development

Personal Background and Values

  • Proudly represents Herbert, Townsville, having served in the Australian Defence Force.
  • Values freedom, family, hard work, and determination, shaped by a single mother and personal experiences.
  • Inspired by family, especially his Aboriginal heritage through his wife and daughter, and committed to advocating for First Nations rights.

Commitment to Defence and Veterans

  • Acknowledges sacrifices of Defence Force members and veterans, sharing personal experiences of service and trauma.
  • Focused on mental health and suicide prevention for veterans, viewing it as a societal issue needing collective action.
  • Active member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, committed to veterans’ issues.

Economic Vision for Herbert

  • Advocates for the resource sector, job creation, and economic growth, highlighting local industries and infrastructure projects.
  • Emphasises the importance of water security, affordable electricity, and supporting small businesses.
  • Supports tourism initiatives and nation-building projects like Hells Gate Dam to enhance local and national prosperity.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Phillip Thompson represents the electorate of Herbert (QLD) in the Australian Parliament.

Phillip Thompson is a member of the Liberal National Party.

Latest Updates

Never miss a beat with AI-powered political alerts - curated by us, tailored for you.

Media Releases

Who Will Be There When The Next Cyclone Hits Townsville?

Media Release • 28 October

Emergency Management Emergency Services Natural Disasters

AI Summary

  • Phillip Thompson demands clarity on disaster recovery capabilities ahead of cyclone season in Townsville.
  • The collapse of Disaster Relief Australia has left a gap in national recovery support.
  • Senate Estimates revealed no scalable recovery workforce is currently available.
  • Thompson stresses the need for trained personnel ready to assist communities post-disaster.
  • He calls on the Albanese Labor Government to provide immediate answers on recovery readiness.

Labor Backs Down on Disaster Funding Changes after Pressure from Queensland Communities

Media Release • 9 October

Emergency Management Natural Disasters Local Government Funding

AI Summary

  • Labor has reinstated existing disaster recovery funding arrangements after community opposition.
  • Phillip Thompson emphasised the importance of reliable funding for disaster-prone regions like North Queensland.
  • Queensland mayors supported the fight against Labor's proposed changes, highlighting potential burdens on local councils.

In Parliament

BILLS › Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 3) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Minimum Tax on Discretionary Trusts) Bill 2026, Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 4) Bill 2026

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 28 October

Income Tax Company Tax Small Business

AI Summary

  • Proposed tax changes will negatively impact small businesses, risking job losses and closures.
  • Critiques the government for increasing regulations and taxes on businesses, especially those using trusts.
  • Claims that the government's approach is a tax grab that does not reflect the needs of small business owners and farmers.

BILLS › Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Bill 2026, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (National Policing Information Charges) Bill 2026

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 28 October

National Security

AI Summary

  • The coalition supports the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Bill 2026, highlighting its role in modernising and improving national criminal intelligence capabilities.
  • Concerns were raised about the removal of the commission's operational disruption role, potentially shifting responsibilities to the AFP without adequate resources.
  • The coalition emphasises the importance of maintaining effective intelligence-sharing practices to ensure timely action against organised crime.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 24 October 2026

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: A busy week out & about in our community. From spending time with the wonderful women of War Widows, to catching up with locals at my Listening Post & visiting the legends at the Men’s Shed, it’s always the people who make the days worthwhile. Different conversations, different life experiences, but one thing in common — people who care deeply about our community & look out for one another. I never take for granted the opportunity to listen, learn & represent the people of Herbert. It’s the best part of this job. 🇦🇺
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 19 October 2026

Veterans Affairs

On 19 October 2009, my life changed forever when I was wounded by an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan. Seventeen years on, I know just how fortunate I am to be here. Not a day goes by that I forget the mates who never made it home, or those who continue to carry the wounds of war. This Alive Day, I’ve been incredibly humbled to receive a beautiful, handmade quilt from Aussie Hero Quilts. This remarkable organisation brings together volunteers from across Australia who give their time, talent & love to make quilts for our serving men and women & veterans. Every stitch is a reminder that our service matters, our sacrifices are remembered & we are never alone. To the wonderful people behind Aussie Hero Quilts, thank you. What you do is far more than sewing quil...
Open Post

Posted on X • 30 August 2025

@frances07424235 You haven’t served in the army have you?
Open Post

Posted on X • 29 August 2025

After 125 years of service Anthony Albanese’s Labor Government has scrapped funding for the The Salvation Army’s Sallyman program. Whether out in the field, on operations or back home, our service members trust the Sallymen for support, pastoral care, and a listening ear.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 16 September 2026

NATIONAL PRIDE: Today marks 125 years since Townsville became the first place our new Australian flag was raised in the presence of the Governor-General. 🇦🇺 While Parliament kept me in Canberra, I’m proud our city commemorated this important moment in Australia’s history. Our flag represents our nation, our freedoms & all who have served beneath it. It must always be respected & flown proudly.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 3 September 2026

Rest In Peace Brother!
Open Post