Murray Watt
ALP
Federal
Minister for the Environment and Water
Elected 2016
10 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 ...
Portfolios
- Minister for the Environment and Water
Committees
- Cabinet: Government Communications
Key Staff
-
Michelle Healy
Chief of Staff
****@****.gov.au
-
Lauren Brasier
Senior Adviser
****@****.gov.au
- Unlock full list
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.
FAQ
Latest Updates
Media Releases
ULUṞU-KATA TJUṮA LEASE UPDATE STRENTHENS JOINT MANAGEMENT AND DOUBLES REVENUE FOR AṈANGU
Media Release • 2 April
Indigenous Affairs
AI Summary
- Australian Government and Aṉangu Traditional Owners agree on new leasing arrangements for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, enhancing joint management.
- Aṉangu will now receive 50% of park revenue, increased from 25%, reflecting current market values and visitor activity.
- New provisions include cultural protections, expanded employment opportunities, and mandatory cultural awareness training for park staff.
AI Summary
- $7.5 million investment improves mobile coverage in Kakadu National Park.
- Upgrades include 3 macro cell towers and 8 small cell sites at popular locations.
- Federal and Northern Territory governments, along with Telstra, collaborated on the project.
- Improvements aim to enhance visitor safety and experience during peak tourist season.
- Local residents and tourism operators will also benefit from the expanded coverage.
In Parliament
AI Summary
- Discussion on the impact of inflation on wages and salaries.
- Concerns raised about the cost of living affecting workers' earnings.
- Calls for government action to address wage stagnation.
AI Summary
- Debate on wage growth and salary levels in Australia.
- Concerns raised about wage stagnation affecting workers' living standards.
- Calls for the government to consider increasing the minimum wage.
Social Media
Posted on Facebook • 4 April 2026
Energy Renewables Waste and Pollution
Posted on Facebook • 3 April 2026
Posted on X • 28 February 2026
Posted on X • 28 February 2026
Posted on LinkedIn • 4 April 2026
Energy Renewables Waste and Pollution
Posted on LinkedIn • 2 April 2026