Ben Franklin (Australian politician)

The Honourable
Ben Franklin
MLC
Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council
Assumed office
28 March 2015
Personal details
Born 1974 (age 43–44)
Political party The Nationals
Residence Byron Bay

Benjamin Cameron "Ben" Franklin (born c. 1974[1]), an Australian politician, has been a Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council since 2015, representing the National Party. Prior to his election, Franklin served as the State Director of the Nationals between 2008 and 2015.[2]

Early life

The child of two school teachers,[3] Franklin grew up in Barham and Coal Point before being awarded an academic scholarship to study at Cranbrook School in Sydney.[1] Franklin's great, great uncle was Banjo Paterson.[4]

Franklin studied a BA at the University of Sydney and resided at St Paul's College during his studies.

A former member of the Liberal Party and President of the NSW Young Liberals (2001-2002).[1]

Career

Franklin was the Communications Director for UNICEF Australia before being appointed State Director of the Nationals in 2008, where he served his election to the NSW Legislative Council in March 2015.[3]

Preselected to the leading position on the Nationals ticket while a resident of Kirribilli in Sydney's lower north shore,[4] Franklin vowed to move to the NSW North Coast on his election.[1][4]

In January 2017, Ben was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy and Northern NSW. He is currently the Deputy Government Whip in the Legislative Council, a role he took on in May 2015.

He currently lives in Byron Bay and is an active member of the local community.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Wood, Alicia (7 April 2014). "Bushwhacked by a city boy: Liberal MP Ben Franklin will move to regional NSW". The Daily Telegraph. Australia. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  2. ↑ Patty, Anna (16 February 2014). "Politicians to battle it out for a spot in the upper house". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Ben Franklin: Candidate for the Legislative Council". National Party. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 Murphy, Damien (10 March 2015). "National Party's Ben Franklin cites Banjo Paterson heritage in defence of going bush". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 March 2015.
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