Andrew McLachlan
LP Federal

Deputy Chair, Senate Standing Committee on Publications

Elected 2020

6 years

Senator for South Australia (SA)

Federal - SA

Andrew was born in 1966 in Adelaide. He grew up in Adelaide as an only child. Andrew attended St Peter’s College, Adelaide, as a scholarship student.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide, a Master of Laws from the University of Edinburgh and a Master of Business Administration from the Australian Graduate School of Management. Following his studies, Andrew began work as a solicitor and later became a senior associate in a legal practice from 1989 to 1996 – the p...

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Committees

  • National Capital and External Territories
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs: References
  • Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade: References
  • Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade: Legislation
  • Climate Change and Energy
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Legislation
  • Publications
  • National Capital and External Territories
  • Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation
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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

26 February 2020

# Liberal Values # Environmental Protection # Support for Veterans

Personal Background and Values

  • Andrew McLachlan comes from a Scottish immigrant family that valued individual freedom, enterprise, and community service.
  • He has a strong commitment to Liberal values, advocating for personal responsibility and the preservation of the environment.

Professional Experience and Community Commitment

  • McLachlan has a background in law and finance, having worked in regional communities where he witnessed the impact of unemployment and social decline.
  • His military service in Afghanistan deepened his appreciation for democracy and the rule of law, leading him to volunteer with Legacy to assist veterans and their families.

Policy Goals

  • He is committed to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, emphasising the importance of water management for South Australia’s communities and environment.
  • McLachlan advocates for innovation in technology to support economic transitions and environmental sustainability, believing in a balanced approach that does not compromise economic stability for environmental goals.
  • He acknowledges the challenges faced by communities recovering from bushfires and stresses the importance of ongoing support for affected individuals and volunteer organisations.

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FAQ

Andrew McLachlan represents the Senate seat of South Australia in the Australian Parliament.

Andrew McLachlan is a member of the Liberal Party.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

In Parliament

BILLS › Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025, Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2025

Second Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 30 March

Veterans Affairs

AI Summary

  • Introduction of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill 2025.
  • Aim to enhance support for defence personnel and veterans.
  • Provisions for oversight and accountability in veteran services.
  • Discussion on the implications for current veterans' support systems.

MATTERS OF URGENCY

Fuel

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 25 March

AI Summary

  • Urgent discussion on rising fuel prices in Australia.
  • Calls for government intervention to address affordability issues.
  • Concerns raised about the impact on households and businesses.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 10 June 2026

Emergency Services

Today is Thank a First Responder Day. Thank you to all of South Australia’s first responders, and to the families and friends who support the selfless work you do for our communities. We should never forget that we ask you to put yourselves in harm’s way to keep others safe. I especially want to acknowledge my fellow St John Ambulance Australia volunteers, and our friends in the SA Ambulance Service. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your commitment to others.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 9 June 2026

A wonderful afternoon spent at the Parliamentary Friends of Ending Poverty Group event. Thank you to my fellow Co-Chair, Alicia Payne MP and everyone who attended. We were delighted to hear from The Salvation Army Australia, who launched their 2026 Red Shield Report. This piece of research sheds light on the experiences of people facing hardship in our Nation. You can access the report via their website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/publications-and-resources/the-red-shield-report-2026/
Open Post

Posted on X • 20 February 2026

Environment

While in Canberra, the Campaign for Nature delegation provided me with a briefing on their proposed ‘Australian Partnership for Nature and Climate’. The proposal is straightforward: combining public and philanthropic capital to provide long-term support for critical ecosystems across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Two realities frame the discussion. 1.       Ecosystems are infrastructure. Mangroves blunt storm surges. Forests regulate water systems. Coral reefs shield coastlines and sust...
Open Post

Posted on X • 19 February 2026

Defence Veterans Affairs Defence Forces

From early 2026, families of former permanent ADF members and reservists on continuous full-time duty will be eligible for @LegacyAustralia's support, regardless of operational service. This is the most significant reform in Legacy’s history. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide made clear that the impact of military life extends well beyond deployment. Service impacts families in ways that are not always visible. Government policy and support structures must reflect that r... https://t.co/N9C9H9Lhsv
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 13 February 2025

Congratulations to my friend Cassandra Fernando for hosting such a successful launch at Parliament House. The book 'Heartlands - At the Heart of Identity' is a great read. Of course, my favourite section is Cassandra’s own account of her life journey from Sri Lanka to becoming a fantastic Member of Parliament!
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 11 February 2025

Environment Conservation

“After the last  ee…nature was  ereft, and the planet  roken” - Brian Bilston, The Last Bee. The future of our bees is inextricably tied to our own future. We will find it increasingly challenging to feed ourselves when our pollinators are under stress or facing extinction. It is critical in Australia that any use of pesticides does not have an impact on our bees and all governments must encourage farming methods that protect our bees and allow for regeneration and wildlife. #StandByBees
Open Post