Polio Australia is privileged to have three Parliamentary Patrons. Their bi-partisan support for our cause is vital as we endeavour to seek Federal funding for best-practice services for polio survivors across Australia. We also acknowledge with grateful thanks the past support of Parliamentary Patron Senator Rachel Siewert, who retired from Parliament in September 2021.

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The Hon Mark Coulton, MP
(The Nationals)
Federal Member for Parkes (New South Wales)
Mark Coulton’s Website

During his time in the Federal Parliament, Mark has held the positions of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, National Party’s Chief Whip, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Ageing and the Voluntary Sector, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Water and Conservation and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Emerging Trade Markets. Mark has also served on numerous parliamentary committees since entering Federal Parliament in 2007.

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Steve Georganas, MP
(Australian Labor Party)
Federal Member for Adelaide (South Australia)
Steve Georganas’ Website

Steve has lived in the electorate of Adelaide his entire life. Steve has worked on a factory assembly line, as an underwriter, a policy adviser and a taxi driver. He has also worked as an organiser advocating for workers’ rights in the airline and local government sectors. Previously, Steve held the seat of Hindmarsh and served as the Second Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He served on many committees, including as Chair of the Health and Ageing Committee.

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The Hon Catherine King, MP
(Australian Labor Party)
Federal Member for Ballarat (Victoria)
and
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Catherine King’s Website

Catherine King was first elected to Federal Parliament in 2001 to represent the electorate of Ballarat. She was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the portfolios of Health and Ageing and Infrastructure and Transport in the Gillard Government following the 2010 election. In March 2013, Catherine was elevated to the roles of Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories and Minister for Road Safety in the Gillard Government. She was subsequently promoted to Cabinet on 1 July 2013, as Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and Territories in the Rudd Government. In October 2013, Catherine was appointed to the role of Shadow Minister for Health in the Shadow Cabinet led by the Hon. Bill Shorten.