Sharon Claydon is a fifth-generation Novocastrian. She was first elected in September 2013, becoming just the sixth Federal Member for Newcastle since Federation in 1901. In the Federal Parliament Sharon is the Deputy Speaker.
Sharon is an Honours graduate in Anthropology and, before entering Parliament, worked in remote Aboriginal communities and the community-based disability services sector. She also served in local government as a Newcastle City Councillor.
Sharon is the Chair of the the Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards. She is also a member of the House of Representatives Committees for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Appropriations and Administration and Privileges and Members' Interests, as well as the Joint Standing Committee for National Capital and External Territories.
Sharon is the Chair of the Federal Labor Caucus and Labor's Status of Women Committee. She is also the Commonwealth of Australia representative to the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee for the Australia region. Sharon is committed to social justice and throughout her career has worked to improve the lives of working people. She is passionate about fighting discrimination and ensuring we leave a better world for the next generation.
