Jonathon Duniam
LP Federal

Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning

Elected 2016

9 years

Senator for Tasmania (TAS)

Federal - TAS

Jonathon was born in Launceston, Tasmania, in 1982. His mother was a local councillor and deputy mayor. Jonathan grew up in Somerset, in north-western Tasmania, and attended Marist Regional College Burnie.

From the University of Tasmania (UOT), Jonathan attained a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws. He commenced his career as an electorate officer for Tasmanian Liberal Senator Paul Calvert in 2003. He went on to hold a number of positions working for the Tasmanian Liberal Party, incl...

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Portfolios

  • Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning

Committees

  • Environment and Communications: References
  • Procedure
  • Appropriations, Staffing and Security
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First Speech in Parliament

1 September 2016

# Tasmania # Youth Retention # Agriculture # Local Manufacturing # Community Engagement # Economic Growth # Democracy # Family Values # Resilience # Policy Development

Personal Background and Values

  • Jonathon Duniam is a sixth-generation Tasmanian, deeply committed to the future of his state for his children and future generations.
  • His family history includes significant involvement in local governance and a personal connection to the struggles faced by his wife’s family fleeing a dictatorship, which informs his appreciation for democracy.

Economic Aspirations for Tasmania

  • Duniam highlights the need to tackle youth migration out of Tasmania and enhance opportunities for young people through job creation and retaining local talent.
  • He identifies agriculture as a vital industry and suggests promoting leasing opportunities for young farmers to enable them to enter the market despite high startup costs.
  • Emphasizes the importance of local manufacturing and connecting local producers with consumers to sustain jobs and encourage economic growth in regional areas.

Community Engagement and Policy Goals

  • Duniam stresses the importance of community feedback in developing practical, simple policies that address local problems.
  • He expresses a commitment to listening to his constituents and working collaboratively to realize effective solutions for Tasmania's future.

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FAQ

Jonathon Duniam represents the Senate seat of Tasmania in the Australian Parliament.

Jonathon Duniam is a member of the Liberal Party.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

Media Release – LABOR’S HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY MIX NOT WORKING AS AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES SLIDE DOWN WORLD RANKINGS

Media Release • 19 June

Education Tertiary Education

AI Summary

  • Australia's QS world university rankings have declined, highlighting the failure of the Albanese Government's higher education policies.
  • Jonno Duniam urges the Government to implement effective policies and funding solutions for better university outcomes.
  • The Coalition is willing to collaborate with the Government and education sector to improve student outcomes and meet modern economic demands.

MEDIA RELEASE – APPOINTMENT AS SHADOW MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND EARLY LEARNING

Media Release • 28 May

Education Environment Agriculture Early Education Fisheries Forestry

AI Summary

  • Jonathon Duniam has been appointed Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning by Sussan Ley.
  • He aims to restore Australia's status as a leader in education and improve early learning systems for future generations.
  • Duniam criticises the Labor government's decline in educational standards and pledges to hold them accountable while working collaboratively on beneficial policies.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Environment

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 26 March

Environment

AI Summary

  • Government outlines new initiatives to combat climate change.
  • Focus on policies to protect biodiversity and natural resources.
  • Opposition raises concerns about the effectiveness of current measures.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Environment

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 26 March

AI Summary

  • Environment Minister addressed concerns over climate change and biodiversity loss.
  • Outlined recent government initiatives and funding for environmental protection.
  • Reiterated commitment to international climate agreements.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 18 June 2025

Labor does not know how to manage the economy. Their policies prioritise their union mates above everyday Aussies doing it tough. Now they’re taxing super accounts higher because they don’t know how to plug their gaps in the budget.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 17 June 2025

A real tragedy. We stand with our Tasmanian Police family today and always.
Open Post

Posted on X • 2 May 2025

Environment

We are scrapping $100m+ for Labor’s bureaucratic EPA and pulling their ridiculous nature positive agenda (and the money that goes with it). We are actually investing $120m more than Labor for new measures in enviro, including $31.5m for @CVAustralia, $6m for @CWSlive for example
Open Post

Posted on X • 22 February 2025

We've been offering for over a year to fast track laws to save Tassie salmon jobs. Unless the PM reconvenes Parliament to save those jobs before the election, his sudden legislation is not worth the paper it's written on.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 28 May 2025

Education

I am honoured to be appointed by Sussan Ley as the Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning, and to continue my roles as both a member of Shadow Cabinet and the leadership team of the Federal Opposition. A quality education is one of the most powerful gifts we can give. Every student, from regional and remote Australia to our capital cities, deserves the opportunity to reach their potential. Under Labor, our once-high standards have fallen by the wayside. This decline must end. Tackl...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 13 May 2025

I want to congratulate our new Liberal leadership team of Sussan Ley and Ted O'Brien MP. These are two very competent and hardworking individuals that I know our Liberal family will embrace. We have a formidable task ahead of us to rebuild our party and the trust of the Australian public. We need to listen very hard to Australians, learn from our mistakes, be a formidable opposition and provide a credible policy platform in three years that works for our society and economy. It is impe...
Open Post