Meryl Swanson

Meryl Jane Swanson (née Partridge; born 3 September 1970) is an Australian politician and former radio presenter. She is a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and has represented the Division of Paterson in the House of Representatives since the 2016 federal election.

Swanson was born in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, and grew up in nearby Heddon Greta. She holds the degrees of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Newcastle. After graduating she worked in broadcasting for several years, as a research, producer and reporter for NBN Television and as a presenter with 2KO. She later worked as a business manager for the Hunter Region Organisation of Councils (1993–1996), as an electorate officer for Joel Fitzgibbon (1996–1997), and as executive director of Hunter Tourism (1997). After starting a family she operated a cafe for several years and then returned to radio with 2HD and 2NUR.

Swanson was elected to parliament at the 2016 federal election, winning the seat for the Labor Party following the retirement of incumbent Liberal MP Bob Baldwin. She was assisted by a favourable redistribution prior to the election. She retained the seat at the 2019 election despite a five-point swing to the ALP.

After the 2019 election, Swanson endorsed Joel Fitzgibbon for the leadership of the ALP, although he eventually decided not to stand.

Swanson has two daughters with her husband Nick and lives on a 50-acre (20 ha) property in Buchanan. As of 2019 she was a co-owner and director of Swanridge Investments Pty Ltd, which sells horse rugs.