A Dynamic Week in Australian Leadership and Innovation

With the rush and thrill of the first two sitting weeks well behind us, the Nexus APAC team have been busy analysing the first speeches made by the new (and some returning) Members of Parliament.

First speeches offer valuable insight into a parliamentarian’s priorities, personal values, and the lived experiences that will shape their contributions to public life.

However, insightful updates have not solely been confined to the walls of Parliament. This past week has marked a series of milestones, from a historic appointment in federal law enforcement to significant strides forward in sovereign space capabilities.

Join us at Nexus APAC as we begin reviewing the first speeches of the new Members of Parliament and highlight notable developments from the week.

Australia’s First Female AFP Commissioner

In a significant milestone for Australian national security, Ms Krissy Barrett APM was appointed as the first female Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), commencing a five-year term on 4 October 2025. Barrett succeeds Mr Reece Kershaw, who retired after six years of service in the role.

Barrett brings over 25 years of extensive operational experience within the AFP, including leadership in critical portfolios such as counterterrorism, foreign interference, and special investigations. Her career highlights include involvement in high-profile inquiries, notably the investigation into the Bali bombings, and security operations in the Solomon Islands. Her appointment not only marks progress in gender representation, but positions the AFP to navigate evolving security challenges with an inclusive and resilient leadership approach.

Australian Space Exploration

Although the space race is long behind us, Australia made a significant stride in its space ambitions last week with the launch of the Eris-1 rocket by Gilmour Space Technologies.

On 30 July 2025, Gilmour Space Technologies launched the 23-meter, 30-tonne Eris-1 rocket from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in North Queensland. The rocket achieved lift-off and remained airborne for approximately 14 seconds before experiencing an anomaly and crashing back to Earth.

Despite the brief flight, the launch was hailed as a milestone for Australia’s space capabilities, marking the first orbital launch attempt using only Australian-made technology.

First Parliamentary Speeches

The opening of the 48^th Parliament has been marked by a series of inaugural speeches – 32 in the House of Representatives, and 9 in the Senate. Each speech provides a window into the priorities and values that will influence legislative and policy directions.

Ms Ali France MP, Member for Dickson (Australian Labor Party)

Ms France delivered a compelling personal narrative of resilience, sharing how she overcame a life-altering accident in 2011, which resulted in the loss of her leg. As a single mother, she underscored her dedication to representing her constituents with empathy and determination. Her speech reflected a deep commitment to social equity, advocating for policies that support families, healthcare accessibility, and community wellbeing.

Additionally, her first speech is now the second most-watched first speech on the Australian House of Representatives’ official YouTube channel, second to the Member for Kooyong, Dr Monique Ryan MP’s first speech three years ago.

The Hon Tim Wilson MP, Member for Goldstein (Liberal Party)

Unlike the other members, this was Mr Wilson’s second first speech, as he won back the seat of Goldstein after losing it in the 2022 Federal Election.

Mr Wilson’s speech focused on a reflective political journey marked by a rare electoral comeback. He critiqued the Liberal Party’s recent drift from its classical liberal principles and called for a renewal grounded in fiscal responsibility, social cohesion, and economic opportunity.

Mr Wilson highlighted pressing national issues, including housing affordability, the rise of antisemitism, and geopolitical uncertainties. He urged the party to reconnect with its grassroots and reassert a hopeful, aspirational vision for Australia’s future.

Ms Trish Cook MP, Member for Bullwinkel (Australian Labor Party)

While this was Ms Cook’s first speech, it also marked the first speech for the electorate of Bullwinkel.

Ms Cook’s speech was a tribute to her working-class upbringing and family legacy of public service, including her father’s military and union contributions. She outlined a policy focus centred on equitable access to healthcare, aged care, and housing, alongside strong support for First Nations justice and the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Ms Cook positioned herself as a committed advocate for community-driven policy and social justice, drawing upon her work as a nurse and working closely with her constituents.

Ms Nicolette Boele MP, Member for Bradfield (Independent)

Ms Boele used her first speech to address the growing crisis of public trust in democratic institutions, attributing it to a perceived failure of political systems to engage meaningfully with citizens.

Drawing on her professional background in finance, sustainability, and public policy, she championed accountable capitalism and urgent action on climate change and housing.

Ms Boele also called for a renewed democratic culture based on transparency, deliberation, and civic responsibility.

Mr Tom Venning MP, Member for Grey (Liberal Party)

Representing one of the nation’s largest and most geographically diverse electorates, Mr Venning emphasised the economic and social contributions of regional Australia, while highlighting systemic neglect in areas such as health services, infrastructure, and energy policy.

He called for a balanced approach that supports energy-intensive industries vital to regional economies, alongside practical investments in education and healthcare to reverse rural decline.

Ms Renee Coffey MP, Member for Griffith (Australian Labor Party)

Ms Coffey’s speech was a heartfelt reflection on community values and political integrity.

Living with multiple sclerosis, she advocated for inclusive representation and the importance of kindness and connectedness in public life.

Ms Coffey underscored her commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, climate action, education, and health reform, positioning herself as a voice for transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

Join us next week as we continue to shine a light on other new Members of Parliament.

Photo credit: Australian Federal Police