Tony Sheldon
ALP Federal

Chief Government Whip in the Senate

Elected 2019

6 years

Senator for New South Wales (NSW)

Federal - NSW

Tony was born in Caringbah, Sydney, in 1961. His parents, Neil and Gwen, were both involved with the Labor movement. Tony attended high school at De La Salle College in Cronulla.

Tony holds postgraduate qualifications in Industrial Law at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and is a graduate of the Harvard University Trade Union program.

After school, Tony worked a number of jobs including as a bartender and garbage collector. He joined the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in the 19...

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Committees

  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
  • Public Accounts and Audit
  • Finance and Public Administration: Legislation
  • Education and Employment: Legislation
  • Education and Employment: References
  • Scrutiny of Bills
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First Speech in Parliament

31 July 2019

# First Nations Recognition # Workers' Rights # Economic Fairness

Personal Background and Values

  • Tony Sheldon reflects on his upbringing in a politically active family that valued service and ethical considerations, inspired by his great-great uncle's teachings on moral dilemmas.
  • He joined the Australian Labor Party at age 14, influenced by his parents' commitment to democracy and labor rights.

Focus on Workers' Rights and Economic Issues

  • Sheldon aims to champion the rights of transport workers, advocating for safe rates and fair wages, drawing from his extensive experience in the union movement.
  • He stresses the need for legislative action against the exploitation of migrant workers and the gig economy, calling for comprehensive rights for all workers, including superannuation for gig workers.

Commitment to Economic Fairness and Reform

  • He calls for the regulation of global tech giants to ensure they contribute fairly to the Australian economy, citing the need for modern taxation policies.
  • Sheldon highlights the importance of rebuilding trust in political institutions and the necessity for leaders to engage with the public to restore faith in democracy.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Tony Sheldon represents the Senate seat of New South Wales in the Australian Parliament.

Tony Sheldon is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

ALBANESE GOVERNMENT’S WORKPLACE REFORMS DELIVERING A BETTER ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

Media Release • 5 February

Workplace Relations Fair Work

AI Summary

  • The Albanese Government's Closing Loopholes reforms are enhancing safety and fairness in the road transport industry, with the Fair Work Commission empowered to set enforceable minimum standards.
  • Transport industry stakeholders are advocating for these reforms to remain post-election, highlighting the need for better pay and conditions for workers.
  • Applications for new standards, including fair payment terms and rights for gig workers, have been submitted, aiming to address long-standing issues and improve worker safety.

New community battery to drive down household energy bills and power Cammeray’s reliable renewable future

Media Release • 21 January

Environment Energy Social Services Foreign Affairs and Trade Energy Industry Renewables Trade and Investment Housing & Homelessness Science

AI Summary

  • The Albanese Government has launched a community battery in Cammeray to reduce power bills and enhance energy reliability for North Sydney households.
  • Approximately 350 locals are expected to save around $200 annually as the battery utilises excess rooftop solar energy during peak demand.
  • The initiative is part of the Community Batteries for Household Solar program, aiming to provide access to renewable energy without the need for individual battery ownership.

In Parliament

COMMITTEES › Education and Employment Legislation Committee

Report

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 31 July

Education

AI Summary

  • The committee reviewed various legislative proposals in the education and employment sectors.
  • Key findings include the need for enhanced support for disadvantaged groups.
  • Recommendations are made for policy improvements to increase accessibility and quality in education and employment.

COMMITTEES › Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee

Report

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 31 July

AI Summary

  • Committee reviewed current transport policies affecting rural and regional areas.
  • Identified key challenges including infrastructure, accessibility, and funding.
  • Proposed recommendations aimed at enhancing transport services and connectivity.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 31 July 2025

Education Tertiary Education

It’s official - our bill just passed Parliament. Your HECS debt will be cut by 20%.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 30 July 2025

Health Health Funding Medicines

Labor just introduced the cheaper medicines bill to Parliament to drop the cost of PBS medicines to a maximum $25 a script. The last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 – more than 20 years ago.
Open Post

Posted on X • 31 July 2025

Education Tertiary Education

It’s official - our bill just passed Parliament. Your HECS debt will be cut by 20%.
Open Post

Posted on X • 31 July 2025

Economy

Yesterday’s ABS figures show headline and underlying inflation are now at their lowest levels in nearly four years.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 29 July 2025

Cutting student debt by 20% is about more than just numbers. It’s about opportunity. For more than three million Australians, this will lift a real weight off their backs. It means young people - nurses, tradies, teachers, engineers - can start their lives without being crushed by a lifetime of debt. It gives people more breathing room and reflects a simple truth: education is an investment in our national future. Here’s what the legislation delivers: - 20% cut to all student debts, wipi...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 23 July 2025

Big shoes to fill and an honour to take over as Chief Labor Whip in the Senate from my friend, the legendary Anne Urquhart. Being the Whip means keeping the Senate on track – managing the flow of legislation, coordinating colleagues, and ensuring the government can deliver on its commitments to the Australian people. It’s a role that requires trust, teamwork, and a steady hand to balance the day-to-day workings of the chamber with the bigger picture. Anne has done this with dedication and i...
Open Post