Politics Computer
James Paterson

LiberalSenate

James Paterson

Senator for Victoria, Liberal

About James Paterson

James Paterson is a Liberal Party senator for Victoria, serving since 2016. He is currently the Shadow Minister for Defence in the Taylor shadow ministry. His profile covers his early life in Melbourne, his work at the Institute of Public Affairs, and his positions on free speech and China.

Born
21 November 1987, Melbourne
Education
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce, University of Melbourne
Before parliament
Deputy executive director, Institute of Public Affairs
Appointed to Senate
9 March 2016, by joint sitting of the Parliament of Victoria
Current shadow role
Shadow Minister for Defence, Taylor shadow ministry
Faction
Aligned with the national right faction of the Liberal Party

Summarised by AI from Wikipedia, plus our own records. Sources last checked 11 November 2026.

How James Paterson voted

Recorded votes in the Senate since 23 July 2025, from Hansard.

All votes in the Senate
539votes cast
51%of 1061 divisions held
0votes against their party line

  1. Matters of Urgency: Fossil Fuel Industry

    Voting yes supported agreeing to the urgency motion moved by Senator McDonald on the fossil fuel industry, which would have had the Senate treat it as a matter of urgent debate.

    Voted yesDefeated 19 to 31

  2. Documents: Housing Australia Future Fund: order for the production of documents

    Voting yes supported the Senate ordering the production of documents about the Housing Australia Future Fund, as set out in motion No. 778 moved by Senator Kovacic.

    Voted yesPassed 36 to 22

  3. Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner and Other Measures) Bill 2026: second reading

    Voting yes supported Senator Roberts's amendment to the second reading of the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner and Other Measures) Bill 2026.

    Voted yesDefeated 20 to 36

  4. Documents: Housing Australia Future Fund, Housing: order for the production of documents

    Voting yes supported agreeing to a Senate motion ordering the production of documents about the Housing Australia Future Fund, as set out in general business notice of motion No. 761.

    Voted yesPassed 35 to 20

  5. Documents: Australian Defence Force: order for the production of documents

    Voting yes supported an order requiring the government to produce documents about the Australian Defence Force, as set out in general business notice of motion No. 753.

    Voted noDefeated 16 to 29

  6. Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026: in committee

    Voting yes supported making amendment (1) on sheet 3944 to the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026, which was defeated.

    Voted yesDefeated 25 to 29

  7. Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026: in committee

    Voting yes supported the opposition amendment (1) on sheet 3946 to the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026 being agreed to during committee, which adds the amendment to the bill.

    Voted yesPassed 34 to 21

  8. Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026: in committee

    Voting yes supported agreeing to opposition amendments (1) and (2) to the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026 in committee, which would add those amendments to the bill.

    Voted yesDefeated 26 to 31

  9. Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026: second reading

    Voting yes supported agreeing to Senator Steele-John's amendment to the second reading of the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026, which adds the amendment to the bill's second reading.

    Voted yesPassed 34 to 23

  10. Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026: second reading

    Voting yes supported agreeing to the second reading amendment moved by Senator Ruston to the Health Insurance Amendment (Incentive Payments and Other Measures) Bill 2026.

    Voted yesPassed 35 to 22

  11. Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026: in committee

    Voting yes supported making One Nation amendments (1) and (2) to the Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026 during committee stage.

    Voted yesDefeated 24 to 33

  12. Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026: in committee

    Voting yes supported agreeing to opposition amendments (1) and (2) on sheet 4037 to the Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026 during committee, which would add those amendments to the bill.

    Voted yesDefeated 24 to 33

A member can miss a division for many reasons: illness, leave, ministerial duties, being in the chair or a pair arrangement. "Against their party" means at least three quarters of the rest of their party voted the other way; votes where any party split (usually free or conscience votes) don't count. Votes on procedure aren't listed.

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Other Liberal members of the Senate

Liberal spending

Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Party and seat checked against the Parliament House member list on 11 November 2026.