Murray Watt
ALP Federal

Minister for the Environment and Water

Elected 2016

9 years

Senator for Queensland (QLD)

Federal - QLD

Murray was born in Brisbane, 1973. His parents were both school teachers and he attended Brisbane State High School.

Studying at the University of Queensland, Murray attained a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws and graduated in 1996. He entered the law as a clerk at Blake Dawson Waldron Solicitors in 1997 before becoming an associate to a Federal Court Judge in 1999. He then worked as a solicitor at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers and Reidy and Tonkin until 2002. Murray was President ...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for the Environment and Water

Key Staff

  • Laura Manton

    Deputy Chief of Staff

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

  • Michelle Healy

    Chief of Staff

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

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First Speech in Parliament

13 September 2016

# Community Resilience # Education Access # Job Creation # Asylum Seeker Policy # Public Services # International Cooperation # Economic Transition # Social Justice # Union Support # Climate Change

Personal Background and Values

  • Murray Watt reflects on the transformative impact of the 2010-2011 Queensland floods, highlighting community spirit and collective action as central to his values.
  • His upbringing in a loving, supportive family shaped his beliefs in fairness, equality, and justice, influenced by his parents' educational achievements and the political discussions with his great-uncles.
  • He identifies as a Labor senator, committed to the core values of the party and the importance of community.

Policy Focus and Legislative Goals

  • Emphasizes the need for improved public services, particularly in education and healthcare, advocating for equal educational opportunities for all children.
  • Discusses the challenges of economic transition in Queensland post-mining boom, stressing the need for job creation and support for those facing unemployment.
  • Advocates for a humane approach to asylum seekers, calling for international cooperation to address broader challenges rather than divisive politics.

Community and Political Engagement

  • Acknowledges the contributions of past Labor senators and expresses intent to ensure Queensland has a strong voice in the Senate.
  • Calls for unity and collaboration across political divides to tackle inequality and build trust within communities, asserting that societal progress is achieved when working together.

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FAQ

Michelle Healy is Murray Watt's Chief of Staff.

Murray Watt represents the Senate seat of Queensland in the Australian Parliament.

Murray Watt is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

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Media Releases

Draft Blueprint for future of construction industry released

Media Release • 27 March

Workplace Relations Construction Economy Infrastructure

AI Summary

  • Draft blueprint for the future of the construction industry released for consultation.
  • Developed by the National Construction Industry Forum (NCIF) with input from unions, employers, and government.
  • Aims to address safety, productivity, sustainability, governance, and skills in the construction sector.

New data shows Labor’s workplace relations reforms delivering higher wages

Media Release • 27 March

Workplace Relations Enterprise Bargaining Fair Work

AI Summary

  • New data reveals wage increases of 4.8% for workers under new federal enterprise agreements, the highest since 1997.
  • The number of employees covered by enterprise agreements has risen to 2.62 million, indicating a positive trend in workplace relations.
  • Minister Murray Watt emphasises that reforms have enhanced bargaining, but warns of potential setbacks if the Coalition under Peter Dutton reverses these changes.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Budget

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 26 March

AI Summary

  • The federal budget was a primary focus of questioning.
  • Ministers defended budget allocations and priorities.
  • Opposition members raised concerns about the budget's impact on public services.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Budget

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 26 March

AI Summary

  • Debate centred on the Federal Budget's spending initiatives.
  • Questions raised about economic growth projections.
  • Concerns expressed over fiscal responsibility and debt levels.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 12 May 2025

Workplace Relations Fair Work

I’m thrilled to be appointed as Minister for the Environment & Water by Prime Minister Albanese Our natural environment and water supply is the foundation of life on earth and only a Labor Government can advance its long-term conservation. There’s always more we can do, to protect Australia’s spectacular natural environment, be a good international partner and facilitate sustainable economic development. I can’t wait to get stuck in. I’m also looking forward to working closely again with the environmental, farming, mining, tourism, traditional owner and other business groups, with whom I’ve developed strong relationships in my previous roles. I pay tribute to the great work done by Tanya Plibersek in this portfolio and I look forward to continuing that work over the course of this...
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 5 May 2025

One of the best Labour Day marches in Brisbane, after the weekend’s election win. So good to join thousands of Qld union members & our new Federal Labor MPs, to celebrate our movement winning secure jobs & better pay for Qld workers.
Open Post

Posted on X • 12 May 2025

And it’s even better that those wins for working people were such a key part of an historic Labor win at the recent election. (6)
Open Post

Posted on X • 12 May 2025

Economy

Finally I thank all I worked with in the Employment & WR portfolio. I’m proud of what we achieved together - more secure jobs, better pay, record job creation and a record low gender pay gap to name a few. (5)
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 28 April 2025

Every Australian worker deserves to be safe at their job.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 24 April 2025

Health Mental Health

Mental health experts concerned about Coalition plan to scrap workers’ right to disconnect, arguing that backtracking will lead to more employee stress and burnout.
Open Post