• Former Liberal Party Senator for Victoria
• Shadow Minister for Defence (since 17 Feb 2026)
• Became a Senator on — unknown
• Left Senate on n/a — Still in office

• Voting record
• Numbers

Bills: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; Second Reading (20 Aug 2026)

“Really? In the middle of an antisemitism crisis?”

Bills: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; Second Reading (20 Aug 2026)

“In the interest of being helpful, to assist Senator McKim so he has the time to reflect on this, we have a royal commission right now into antisemitism. Standing up in this chamber and accusing other people of being 'captured by Zionist interests' is a dangerous and reckless thing to do. I encourage him, in the spirit of good debate in this chamber, to reflect on the consequences of language...”

Bills: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; Second Reading (20 Aug 2026)

“Good judgement, class, taste, decency.”

More of James Paterson's recent appearances

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Please note that numbers do not measure quality. Also, Senators may do other things not currently covered by this site. (More about this)

• Has spoken in 35 debates in the last year — well below average amongst Senators.
• People have made 0 comments on this Senator's speeches — average amongst Senators.
• 11 people are tracking whenever this Senator speaks .
• Has used three-word alliterative phrases (e.g. "she sells seashells") 278 times in debates — average amongst Senators. (Why is this here?)