Sharon Claydon Elected Deputy Speaker

Sharon Claydon has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 47th Australian Parliament.

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Sharon was successful after her Labor colleagues nominated her for the role.

"I would like to thank my Labor colleagues for nominating me for this position, as well as the whole of parliament for their support in electing me as Deputy Speaker," Sharon said.

"I am especially humbled to be following in the footsteps of great Labor women – Joan Child, Deputy Speaker from 1984 to 1986 and Anna Burke, Deputy Speaker between 2008 to 2012, in being just the third woman to occupy the role of Deputy Speaker."

"I am honoured to be the first Member for Newcastle to undertake this role, and carry with me the historical significance for our region."

This is the parliament that is tasked with the serious work of implementing the recommendations of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Kate Jenkin’s Set the Standard report to help set a new standard for our parliament.

Sharon looks forward to working in partnership with the newly elected Speaker, Mr Milton Dick MP on this important reform work to ensure that parliament reflects and better serves our community.