Today marked a significant moment in Australian politics as Dave Sharma was officially sworn in as a senator for New South Wales in the Federal Parliament. Mr Sharma fills the vacancy created by the resignation of former Senator Marise Payne of the Liberal Party, bringing a wealth of experience and a diverse background to his new role.
A distinguished parliamentary and diplomatic career marks Sharma’s journey to the Senate. Elected to the House of Representatives for Wentworth, New South Wales, in 2019, Sharma served until his defeat at the 2022 general elections. His selection by the Parliament of New South Wales on 30 November 2023, under section 15 of the Constitution, is a testament to his expertise and reputation within the Liberal Party and beyond.
During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Sharma contributed significantly through various committee services. He was a part of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety from December 2021 to March 2022, and the Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science, and Resources from July 2019 to April 2022. Additionally, he served on the Joint Select Committee on the Implementation of the National Redress Scheme and the Joint Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and Treaties, where he was Chair from July 2019 to April 2022.
Sharma’s extensive experience extends beyond parliamentary roles.
He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a Master’s in International Relations from Deakin University. His career has spanned significant diplomatic and advisory positions, including Senior Civilian Adviser with the Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, in 2000, and Third Secretary at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby from 2001 to 2003.
He also served as an Adviser to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Alexander Downer, from 2004 to 2006, and as a Political Counsellor at the Australian Embassy in Washington, USA, from 2006 to 2009. Sharma’s diplomatic credentials were further solidified during his tenure as Assistant Secretary in the International Division at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet from 2010 to 2012 and as Assistant Secretary in the Africa Branch at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2012 to 2013. His appointment as the Australian Ambassador to Israel from 2013 to 2017 highlights his extensive experience in international relations.
Before entering the Federal Parliament, Sharma also contributed to the private sector as a Director at Kelly + Partners from 2018 to 2019. His contributions to public service have been recognised with the Australian Service Medal in 2000.
As a senator, Sharma’s diverse background in foreign affairs, defence, trade, and parliamentary committee work positions him uniquely to contribute to the Australian Senate’s legislative and inquiry processes. His appointment is seen as a positive step towards bringing a more varied and experienced perspective to the Australian Federal Parliament.
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