About Matthew Canavan
Matthew Canavan is a Senator for Queensland representing The Nationals, and has been leader of the National Party since March 2026. He was first elected to the Senate at the 2013 federal election and served as a minister in the Turnbull and Morrison governments from 2016 to 2020.
- Party
- The Nationals
- Senate term
- Elected at 2013 federal election, term beginning 1 July 2014
- Born
- 17 December 1980, Southport, Queensland
- Education
- University of Queensland, bachelor's degrees in arts and economics
- Before parliament
- Chief of staff to Senator Barnaby Joyce, 2010 to 2013
- Leadership
- Elected National Party leader in ballot on 11 March 2026
Summarised by AI from Wikipedia, plus our own records. Sources last checked 11 November 2026.
How Matthew Canavan voted
Recorded votes in the Senate since 23 July 2025, from Hansard.
Documents: Australian Electoral Commission: order for the production of documents
Voting yes supported agreeing to Senator Payman's motion No. 772 for the production of documents relating to the Australian Electoral Commission, which the Senate passed 36 to 22.
Voted yesPassed 36 to 22
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026: in committee
Voting yes supported agreeing to opposition amendments (1) to (3) on sheet 4025 to the Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026 during its committee stage.
Voted yesDefeated 23 to 31
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026: second reading
Voting yes supported making the second reading amendment moved by Senator Whitten to the Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026.
Voted yesDefeated 21 to 32
Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026: in committee
Voting yes supported item 65 of schedule 5 of the Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026 standing as printed in committee, which keeps the original wording of that item.
Voted noPassed 30 to 24
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 Nationals members of the Senate
Photo: Wikimedia Commons. Party and seat checked against the Parliament House member list on 11 November 2026.
