Meet Fiona Simpson
Fiona grew up on the Sunshine Coast and went to local schools. She understands the pressures faced by local families and business owners and wants people to have the same opportunity to live, work and raise their families here while cherishing our region’s natural beauty.
As the State Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson is committed to serving her community and delivering the infrastructure needed to support the growth of our regional economy, supporting our local small businesses to grow more local jobs, easing the cost-of-living burdens and keeping our Sunshine Coast liveable and beautiful. In her ministerial roles, she is passionate about respecting the diversity of Queenslanders backgrounds and working with them to create a better future for themselves and their families with hope, dignity and opportunity.
She has a reputation for hard work and diligent service to her electorate and the people of Queensland. She is actively at work in the community, listening to people about how we can make our area even better. She is patron of a number of local organisations and has helped secure funding for many volunteer groups who are enriching the lives of others through community service.
FIONA’S POLITICAL CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Fiona has built a strong reputation for hard work and a track record of delivering for the region and dedicated service to her electorate and the people of Queensland. As the local Member for Maroochydore, she is deeply connected to her community, actively listens to residents.
First elected in 1992, at the time Fiona was the youngest woman ever to be elected to the Queensland Parliament and is currently the longest-serving woman in the Liberal National Party (LNP) party room and the longest-serving female MP of any Parliament in the country.
She has served across numerous portfolios including Health, Transport, Main Roads, Tourism, Women, Communities, Housing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs, Small Business, Training, Skills Development, Integrity and Finance.
The LNP Government win in March 2012 saw Fiona make history as the first female Speaker of the Queensland Parliament in its 150 years.
Following the 2024 State Election, when the LNP formed Government, Fiona was appointed to the Crisafulli Ministry as the Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism.
In addition to a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese language, Journalism and Government, she has post graduate management qualifications including a Masters in Organizational Leadership, she is a graduate from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has undertaken an executive leadership course with John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.
Before entering Parliament, Fiona was an award-winning Journalist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese, Journalism and Government, along with postgraduate qualifications in leadership and governance. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed executive leadership training at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Fiona subscribes to the motto of “service above self”.
TimeLine in Parliament - so Far...
At the young age of 27, Fiona Simpson made history by being the youngest woman ever elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
Fiona delivered her maiden speech as a start to her career as a parliamentarian. She spoke on youth representation, local infrastructure and services, Christian values and advocacy for women.
Fiona won the position of Deputy leader of the Queensland Nationals in 2006, and lead the Queensland Nationals with Jeff Seeney (Queensland Nationals Leader).
The Liberal National Party was formed in 2008, with Fiona voluntarily relinquishing her leadership role in the Queensland Nationals to facilitate the merger of the Liberal and National Parties.
Fiona was appointed the first female Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, after the LNP had an astounding victory in the 2012 Queensland State Election.
Following the LNPs Victory in the 2024 Queensland State Election, Fiona was sworn in as the Minister for Women and Minister for Women’s Economic Security.