Anika Wells
ALP Federal

Minister for Sport

Very Safe

14.52% Margin

Elected 2019

7 years

Member for Lilley (QLD)

Federal - QLD

Anika was born in South Brisbane in 1985. She attended Moreton Bay College, where she was school captain.

Studying at Griffith University, Anika attained a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and Government). Anika worked as a Labor advisor in the Federal Government for five years and then from 2014 to 2019, she worked as a lawyer at Maurice Blackburn.

Following the retirement of the incumbent Labor MP and former Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan, Anika was elected a...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for Sport
  • Minister for Communications
  • Cabinet Minister

Key Staff

  • Barnaby Kerdel

    Chief of Staff

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

  • Summer Brady

    Deputy Chief of Staff

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

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

22 July 2019

# Indigenous Rights # Environmental Action # Youth Representation

Personal Background and Values

  • Anika Wells expresses gratitude for her election and acknowledges her connection to the community of Lilley, highlighting her diverse constituents.
  • She reflects on her upbringing, including experiences at St Vincent's orphanage, and the importance of caring for the vulnerable.
  • Wells emphasises her motivation to represent not just those who voted for her but all constituents, including those who feel disenfranchised.

Policy Interests and Goals

  • Advocates for addressing the needs of people with disabilities, illustrated by her support for a child needing a walking frame.
  • Commits to advancing Indigenous rights, referencing the ongoing impact of the Stolen Generations and the need for an Indigenous voice in parliament.
  • Calls for urgent environmental action in light of climate change, stressing the loss of species and the necessity of long-term thinking in policy-making.

Vision for the Future

  • Stresses the importance of youth representation, noting that millennials are underrepresented in parliament despite being a significant demographic.
  • Advocates for a parliament that prioritises long-term solutions over short-term gains, aiming to build a better future for the next generations.
  • Expresses a commitment to fostering a fairer society where diversity is valued and inclusion is paramount, linking her personal journey to broader societal goals.

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FAQ

Barnaby Kerdel is Anika Wells' Chief of Staff.

Anika Wells represents the electorate of Lilley (QLD) in the Australian Parliament.

Anika Wells is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

Media Releases

Tackling online harm in Australian sport

Media Release • 19 May

Media and Communications Sport and Recreation

AI Summary

  • Partnership aims to protect Australians from online abuse in sports.
  • Research reveals nearly 20% of children face online abuse from teammates or competitors.
  • Memorandum of Understanding signed at Online Safety in Sport summit.
  • Training and resources will be provided to clubs to combat online threats.
  • Anika Wells emphasises the need for safe sporting environments for all, especially youth.

New appointments to the ABC Board

Media Release • 18 May

AI Summary

  • Dr Lisa Caffery appointed as Deputy Chairperson of the ABC Board; brings extensive leadership and public governance experience.
  • Damien Miller appointed as a non-executive Director; strengthens Board's expertise in international relations and public diplomacy.
  • Caffery has a PhD in rural health equity and has held senior roles in health and infrastructure.
  • Miller is the Executive Director of Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity and has previously served in senior diplomatic roles.
  • Minister Anika Wells highlights the importance of strong governance for the ABC.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Minister for Communications

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 14 May

AI Summary

  • The Minister for Communications confirmed she has previously addressed questions regarding her meeting at The Jade.
  • She referred to a report published by IPEA that details the trip and confirms it complied with the rules.
  • The Minister reiterated that all information is publicly available for reference.

BILLS › Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Consumer Safeguards) Bill 2025

Third Reading

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 14 May

AI Summary

  • Ms Wells moved for the bill to be read a third time, indicating her support for its passage.
  • The motion was agreed to without dissent, demonstrating consensus among members present.
  • The bill was successfully read a third time, moving it closer to becoming law.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 19 May 2026

Abuse in sport is not acceptable - whether it’s on the field or online.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 19 May 2026

Australians don’t tolerate abusive behaviour in sport. The same standards should apply online. 1 in 5 Australia kids have experienced online abuse from someone connected to their sport. That’s why Sport Integrity Australia and the eSafety Commissioner are teaming up to protect all Australians from abuse - on the field and online. Thank you to Tayla Harris, Sarah Cook OLY, Campbell Harrison OLY and Ben Williams for sharing your firsthand experience at an elite level. And for using your voice to fight for your teammates, colleagues, and the young Australians who admire you.
Open Post

Posted on X • 13 July 2024

@cheryl_kernot @healthgovau is preparing to release a consultation paper for feedback on how we could implement mandatory minimum qualifications, ongoing training requirements and minimum English proficiency requirements. No cave-ins here.
Open Post

Posted on X • 17 November 2023

Hour 22 in a Thursday marathon of Parliament and WADA Ex Co… and… a perfectly timed meeting break to see captain @patcummins30 steer @CricketAus to a World Cup final!
Open Post