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

  • Intelligence and Security
  • Defence

Key Staff

  • Neil Helmore

    Media Advisor

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

  • Carly Crompton

    Office Manager

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

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See It In Action

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

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See It In Action

Media Releases

Thomoson Stands uo for the Australian Flag

Media Release • 23 July

Veterans Affairs

AI Summary

  • Phillip Thompson criticises the AMWU's proposal to remove the Union Jack from the flag as divisive and disrespectful to veterans.
  • He emphasises the flag's significance in representing courage, sacrifice, and national unity.
  • Thompson urges Prime Minister Albanese to reject the union's demands and maintain the current flag design.

Labor's Veteran Health Cap to Hit Thousands of Petrie Veterans

Media Release • 10 July

Health Veterans Affairs Mental Health

AI Summary

  • Proposed $5,000 cap on allied health services raises concerns for veterans in Petrie.
  • Around 3,739 DVA-supported veterans in the Petrie electorate could be affected.
  • Opposition leaders stress veterans deserve continuous healthcare support without arbitrary limits.
  • Veterans are anxious about the impact on treatment for ongoing physical and mental health issues.
  • Coalition vows to advocate for veterans' rights and demand government accountability.

In Parliament

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Albanese Government

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 1 July

Veterans Affairs

AI Summary

  • The prime minister's integrity is questioned due to repeated claims about not changing CGT or negative gearing, which are now seen as false.
  • Energy bills were promised to be reduced, yet the government has failed to deliver on this commitment.
  • The government is accused of dishonesty regarding veterans' healthcare access and overall economic management.

BILLS › Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 1 July

Social Services Defence Health Sector Veterans Affairs Mental Health Defence Forces

AI Summary

  • Mr Thompson emphasises the bill's significance in addressing the Royal Commission's findings on Defence and Veteran Suicide, implementing 15 key recommendations.
  • He expresses cautious support, highlighting the need for genuine improvements and effective coordination between Defence and Veterans' Affairs to avoid administrative complexities.
  • Thompson stresses the importance of safeguarding sensitive personal information in the proposed data-sharing framework and the need for ongoing scrutiny of privacy protections.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 22 July 2026

The safety of Australians must come before a terrorist wanting to enter Australia. Sky News Australia
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 19 July 2026

Outnumbered 3 to 1… and somehow they’re still putting up with me! 😂 We’re on our way to Magnetic Island for the Horseshoe Bay Markets. If you’re over there this morning, come and say hello—we’d love to see you!
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 • 22 July 2026

The safety of Australian’s must come before a terrorist wanting to enter Australia.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 27 June 2026

Today nine years ago, a brother, a son and my mate succumbed to his war within. No words could describe the pain he must of been going through. Watch down on us brother, we love you mate. Today is the anniversary of my mate Jesse Bird a brave soldier who served his nation proudly. Today is also PTSD Awareness Day, it’s ok not to be ok, but please don’t suffer in silence. Emergency - 000 Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 Open Arms - 1800 011 046 Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 059 467
Open Post