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.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

Dedication ceremony for Nyul Nyul Indigenous Protected Area in the Kimberley

Media Release • 15 May

Indigenous Affairs Environment Conservation Indigenous Affairs - General Native Title

AI Summary

  • The Nyul Nyul Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) has been dedicated, covering 144,493 hectares of land and sea, aimed at preserving traditional land management and providing local jobs in the Kimberley.
  • The IPA protects threatened species and ecological communities, with initiatives for conservation work including community planning and youth engagement in ranger programs.
  • The Albanese Government aims to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030, with the Nyul Nyul IPA contributing to nearly 24.5% of Australia's total landmass being protected.

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.

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 • 28 June 2025

Very sad news this morning, with the passing of my friend Rod Welford, former Queensland Labor Attorney-General and Minister for Environment, Education, Arts and more. Rod lived his passion for social justice and protecting our natural environment every day - before, during and after his long and successful Parliamentary and Ministerial service. His working life delivered lasting reforms that he and every Labor supporter were rightly proud of. He continued making a difference after politics, especially on energy efficiency and other environmental goals. On a personal level, Rod very generously supported me as his successor in the State seat of Everton, after 20 years of sterling local service. Rod remained a trusted source of advice, and a reminder of what Labor Governments should asp...
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 23 June 2025

Want to lead my electorate office team? Do you have strong Labor values and a desire to serve your community? Then this could be the job for you! More info here.
Open Post

Posted on X • 25 June 2025

Former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry on why environmental law reform is badly needed - for our environment and our economy. https://t.co/BzE5R3nZTy
Open Post

Posted on X • 19 June 2025

I thank today’s participants for their constructive attitude and for recognising that there will need to be give and take, to deliver these reforms. I look forward to working with them and the wider community to pass new laws in the first half of this term of Parliament.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 28 June 2025

Very sad news this morning, with the passing of my friend Rod Welford, former Queensland Labor Attorney-General and Minister for Environment, Education, Arts and more. Rod lived his passion for social justice and protecting our natural environment every day - before, during and after his long and successful Parliamentary and Ministerial service. His working life delivered lasting reforms that he and every Labor supporter were rightly proud of. He continued making a difference after politics,...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 25 June 2025

Former Treasury Secretary Ken Henry on why environmental law reform is badly needed - for our environment and our economy.
Open Post