Parliamentary Friendship Groups (non-country) for the 47th Parliament are formally recognised by the Presiding Officers. Their recognition lasts for the term of Parliament. View the list of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups for the previous (46th) Parliament.
Establishment of Parliamentary Friendship Groups (non-country)
Presiding Officers' guidelines are available here. These guidelines apply to Parliamentary Friendship Groups (non-country) only. A separate process applies for Parliamentary Country Groups. An example application to form a Parliamentary Friendship Group (non-country) is available here.
For more information, please contact the International and Parliamentary Relations Office: (02) 6277 4340 or ipro@aph.gov.au.
Membership lists
Please note: enquiries regarding membership lists (current or former) should be directed to the contact person/s for that group as per the list below.
AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARY GROUP ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Members of Parliament to meet and interact with parliamentarians across the Asia-Pacific region, and leading non-government organisations in Australia, on matters relating to population and development.
Contact Persons:
Ms Lisa Chesters MP
Senator Mehreen Faruqi
(Co-Chairs)
AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT (APPCAN)
The purpose of APPCAN will be to:
- Raise awareness of the incidence of child abuse and neglect to all Federal Parliamentarians; and
- Provide a forum to further understand the mitigating causes and to hold discussions with relevant stakeholders in an endeavour to address the social and economic costs of child abuse and neglect.
Contact Persons:
Senator Catryna Bilyk
Senator Dean Smith
(Co-Convenors)
BRING JULIAN ASSANGE HOME PARLIAMENTARY GROUP
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Senators and Members to meet and interact with each other, and relevant stakeholders, on matters relating to having the extradition of Julian Assange dropped and him being allowed to return to Australia.
Contact Persons:
Mr Andrew Wilkie MP
(Chair)
PARLIAMENTARY ANTARCTIC ALLIANCE
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to ask questions about Antarctica, raise awareness about Australia's policies and investments towards Antarctica, communicate information and host events.
Contact Persons:
Senator Catryna Bilyk
Senator the Hon. Jonathon Duniam
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF AGED CARE
It is intended that this Group will facilitate discussion of issues arising within the aged care sector and how Parliamentarians can deliver aged care with older Australians at its heart and support our dedicated aged care workers.
Contact Persons:
Dr Mike Freelander MP
Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF ASTHMA
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with intended stakeholder groups on matters relating to asthma.
Contact Persons:
Dr Mike Freelander MP
Mr Tony Pasin MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (ABC)
The aim of the Group is to provide a forum for raising awareness and support for the vital services the ABC provides to the Australian community. It will also facilitate initiatives and events to promote and enhance the ABC.
Contact Persons:
Mr Andrew Wilkie MP
Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY (ACU)
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs to meet and interact with researchers and thought leaders from ACU on matters relating to the mission, research and community engagement of the university.
Contact Persons:
Ms Alicia Payne MP
Ms Kylea Tink MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF AUSTRALIAN MOTORSPORTS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with the Austalian Motorsport industry.
Contact Persons:
Mr Luke Gosling OAM MP
Mr Bert van Manen MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs to meet and interact with Red Cross on matters relating to the work of the Red Cross in Australia.
Contact Persons:
Mr Graham Perrett MP
Mr Pat Conaghan MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF AUSTRALIAN SPIRITS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to meet and interact with Australian distilled spirits industry stakeholders on matters relating to supporting and growing Australia's distilled spirits sector, which is an important economic contributor to regional communties.
Contact Persons:
Mr Brian Mitchell MP
Senator Perin Davey
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF AUSTRALIAN TUBERCULOSIS (TB) CAUCUS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to meet with various TB organisations that focus primarily on the Asia Pacific region and to increase awareness of TB and its impact.
Contact Persons:
Ms Kate Thwaites MP
Hon Warren Entsch MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with intended stakeholder groups on matters relating to health & mental health issues experienced by children and adolescent individuals.
Contact Persons:
Dr Mike Freelander MP
Dr David Gillespie MP
Dr Monique Ryan MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF CLIMATE ACTION
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with intended stakeholder groups on matters relating to Climate Action.
Contact Persons:
Ms Zali Steggall OAM MP
Ms Bridget Archer MP
Mr Josh Burns MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF DEMENTIA
The intention of this Group is to provide a non-partisan forum to promote the understanding of the disease and its affects on the Australian community. More than 470,000 Australians live with dementia everyday and more than half of these prople are living in residential aged care. If Australia is to find a cure, create dementia friendly communities and meet the care and training needs associated with the disease we must continue the national conversation.
Contact Persons:
Senator Helen Polley
Hon Nola Marino MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS
This PFG is open to all Senators and Members and is non-partisan. Its objectives are:
- To raise awareness of endometriosis as a reproductive and chronic pain condition affecting many women throughout Australia.
- To inform Parliamentarians, Shadow Ministers and Ministers of the plight of sufferers of endometriosis with a view to securing fudning for further medical research and awareness raising.
- To facilitate a forum whereby organisations already working on endometriosis research and awareness raising can come together to coordinate their activities.
Meetings of the PFG take a variety of formats, including a general approach to inform members of recent developments or to focus on specific issues. Guest speakers may sometimes be invited.
Contact Persons:
Ms Lisa Chesters MP
Hon Nola Marino MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF ENTREPRENEURS, SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Members and Senators to meet and interact with entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses from around Australia. Strong relationships have been forged with the business community across electorates and states, and members of the group can build on those relationships and take a national lens to the small and medium business community as well as entrepreneurs, to power the Australian economy into the future.
Contact Persons:
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Ms Allegra Spender MP
Mr Bert van Manen MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS FOR EYE HEALTH AND VISION CARE
The purpose of the Parliamentary Friends for Eye Health and Vision Care will be to:
- Provide a non-partisan forum for Members and Senators to meet and interact with specialists and experts in the area of eye health and vision.
The group will also be used to disseminate accurate information regarding eye health and vision.
Contact Persons:
Ms Meryl Swanson MP
Dr David Gillespie MP
(Co-Convenors)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF FACIOSCAPULOHUMERAL MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY (FSHD)
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum to promote an understanding of FSHD and how Parliament can work to assist those suffering from it.
Contact Persons:
Dr Mike Freelander MP
Ms Bridget Archer MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF FORESTRY, TIMBER AND PAPER PRODUCTS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Senators and Members to meet and interact with those involved in forestry and to support their efforts to promote Australian made timber and paper products.
Contact Persons:
Senator Raff Ciccone
Senator the Hon Jonathon Duniam
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF GAMBLING HARM REDUCTION
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with peak organisations, including the Alliance for Gambling Reform, to raise awareness of the impacts of gambling harm on Australians and discuss the ways Australia can reduce current levels of losses and gambling harm.
Contact Persons:
Mr Andrew Wilkie MP
Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF GREEK AUSTRALIANS (HELLENIC CULTURE)
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with Community organisations providing support to the Greek Australian community on matters relating to Hellenic culture and community wellbeing.
Contact Persons:
Ms Clare O'Neil MP
Mr James Stevens MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF HAEMOCHROMATOSIS
The purpose of Parliamentary Friends of Haemochromatosis will be to:
- Raise awareness of Haemochromatosis amongst parliamentarians and the wider population;
- Promote the need for more Australians to be diagnosed and treated; and
- Inform Federal Parliamentarians of the latest developments in treatment, screening and raising awareness.
Contact Persons:
Senator Catryna Bilyk
Hon Nola Marino MP
(Co-Convenors)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF HEART HEALTH
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to educate and advocate for the prevention and better care and management of cardiovascular disease in the community.
Contact Persons:
Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP
Senator Wendy Askew
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs to meet and interact with international students and industry leaders from both the public and private sectors, on matters relating to the student experience, market distribution and the sustainability of growth.
Contact Persons:
Mr Julian Hill MP
Ms Zoe McKenzie MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE ALLIANCE (IHRA)
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with Holocaust commemorative organisations, survivors, and their families on matters relating to the strengthening and promotion of Holocaust education and remembrance and combating antisemitism.
Contact Persons:
Mr Josh Burns MP
Mr Julian Leeser MP
Ms Allegra Spender MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF LANDCARE
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Senators and Members to meet and interact with the Landcare community and support its efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and management of our natural resources.
Contact Persons:
Senator Raff Ciccone
Senator Perin Davey
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF LUNG HEALTH AND LUNG CANCER
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to discuss matters relating to protecting lung health and improving outcomes for the 1 in 3 Australians who currently live with a lung disease or lung cancer.
The Group will meet and interact with the Lung Foundation Australia, as well as consumers and experts on related matters including but not limited to; prevention, treatment, equity, research, awareness, occupational exposures, COVID-recovery and more.
Contact Persons:
Hon Dr David Gillespie MP
Mr Steve Georganas MP
(Co-Convenors)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF MANUFACTURING
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with businesses, unions, industry and advocacy groups to help support and strengthen Australia's manufacturing industry.
Contact Persons:
Ms Maria Vamvakinou MP
Mr Scott Buchholz MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF MEDICINE
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with intended stakeholder groups on matters relating to medicine.
Contact Persons:
Dr Mike Freelander MP
Dr David Gillespie MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF MEN'S HEALTH
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs to meet and interact with experts on matters relating to men's health.
Contact Persons:
Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP
Mr Sam Birrell MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF MEN'S SHED'S
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs to meet and interact with Australian Men's Shed Association and other organisations on matters relating to Men's Sheds.
Contact Persons:
Mr Rob Mitchell MP
Mr Ted O'Brien MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF MICROBIOLOGY
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to meet and interact with academic, clinical and scientific microbiologists on matters relating to:
- Infectious diseases
- Public Health
- Food Safety
- Research and Innovation
- Biosecurity
- Veterinary and agricultural microbiology
- Epidemiology
Contact Persons:
Mr Steve Georganas MP
Hon Warren Entsch MP
(Joint conveners)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Parliamentarians to interact with Motor Neurone Disease Australia and health professionals on matters relating to strongly supporting advanced care, advocacy, and vital research to find a cure for this disease on behalf of sufferers.
Contact Persons:
Hon Alex Hawke MP
Senator the Hon Carol Brown
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
The intention of this Group is to provide a non-partisan forum to help raise awareness and promote MS research toward the prevention, better treatments, and a cure for MS in Australia.
Contact Persons:
Senator Wendy Askew
Senator Deborah O'Neill
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE (NRL)
It is intented that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with the NRL on matters relating to the promotion of rugby league and junior rugby league for both men and women.
Contact Persons:
Hon Keith Pitt MP
Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF NUCLEAR INDUSTRIES
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with intended stakeholder groups on matters relating to nuclear industries.
Contact Persons:
Hon Dr David Gillespie MP
(Chair)
Hon Bob Katter MP
(Deputy Chair)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF ORCHESTRAL MUSIC
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Members and Senators to meet and interact with Australia's six symphony orchestras, the Adelaide, Melbourne, Queensland, Sydney, Tasmanian and West Australian Symphony Orchestras, as well as the organisations and individuals that support them. In addition, the group will consider issues relevant to symphony orchestras and symphonic repertoire, the broadcasting and accessibility of classical music to all Australians, and other issues and concerns relevant to orchestral music.
Contact Persons:
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Senator Claire Chandler
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF ORGAN DONATION
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with intended stakeholder groups on matters relating to organ donation.
Contact Persons:
Dr Mike Freelander MP
Dr Anne Webster MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF PAIN MANAGEMENT
The intention of this Group is to provide a non-partisan forum to help raise awareness for better management of pain conditions; explore opportunities to work with Painaustralia to improve quality of life for the more than 3.6 million people living with chronic pain conditions, their families and carers; and minimise the social and economic burden of pain on individuals and the community.
Contact Persons:
Senator Wendy Askew
Senator Helen Polley
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF PALLIATIVE CARE
The purpose of Parliamentary Friends of Palliative Care will be to:
- Disseminate relevant information to Members and Senators on palliative care issues and services available;
- Act as a non-partisan forum for policy discussion among Members and Senators on palliative care; and
- Provide feedback to Members and Senators on opinions and concerns raised by community groups and constituents around palliative care issues.
Contact Persons:
Senator Catryna Bilyk
Hon Nola Marino MP
(Co-Convenors)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF PARKINSON'S
The intention of this Group is to provide a non-partisan forum to back up the work of Parkinson's Australia; broaden research into this condition; raise awareness of Parkinson's disease; and support the people living with this disease and their families and carers.
Contact Persons:
Senator Wendy Askew
Senator Catryna Bilyk
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF PREVENTATIVE AND PUBLIC HEALTH
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum to promote an understanding of preventative and public health and how Parliament can work towards improving policy in these areas.
Contact Persons:
Dr Mike Freelander MP
Dr Helen Haines MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS FOR THE PREVENTION OF DIABETES
This Parliamentary Friendship Group is open to all Senators and Members and is non-partisan. Its objectives are:
- To raise awareness through Parliamentary events, with Members of Parliament and the wider community, of the impact and prevalence of diabetes in the community.
- To assist in the development of public policies and increase public awareness of diabetes.
- To regularly engage with research and medical groups that work to prevent, manage, understand and cure diabetes.
Contact Persons:
Mr Graham Perrett MP
Mr Rowan Ramsey MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF PRIMARY PRODUCERS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Members and Senators to meet and interact with Primary Producers in regard to policy, as well as to hear opinions and concerns reaised by Community groups and constituents on primary production.
The group will also be used to disseminate accurate information regarding primary producers and production.
Contact Persons:
Ms Meryl Swanson MP
Hon Nola Marino MP
(Co-Convenors)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF RARE DISEASES
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with intended stakeholder groups on matters relating to rare diseases and how we can work towards bettering the lives of the estimated 2 million Australians who currently live with a rare disease.
Contact Persons:
Dr Mike Freelander MP
Senator Wendy Askew
Dr Monique Ryan MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF RECREATIONAL FISHING
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with peak organisations including Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, on matters relating to Recreational Fishing.
Contact Persons:
Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP
Mr Andrew Willcox MP
Mr Dan Repacholi MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF RED MEAT
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Senators and Members to meet and support those who help secure our food security and provide high value, high quality red meat protein products.
Contact Persons:
Senator Raff Ciccone
Senator Susan McDonald
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF ROAD SAFETY
The Parliamentary Friends of Road Safety has four main objectives:
- Elevate within the Federal Parliament greater awareness of road safety;
- Inform Federal Parliamentarians of the need for continual improvement in road safety outcomes;
- Inform Federal Parliamentarians of the national and international initiatives with potential to improve road safety outcomes; and
- Ensure that Federal Members of Parliament are aware of the enormous social and economic cost of failing to continually prioritise improved road safety outcomes.
Contact Persons:
Senator Glenn Sterle
Mr Llew O'Brien MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF SCIENCE
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs. Its aims include:
- To enable a meaningful dialogue between scientific leaders and parliamentarians about the science that underpins policy and to inform political debate.
- To provide a forum for eminent Australian and visiting scientists to engage with parliamentarians.
- To provide a mechanism for parliamentarians to seek expertise from scientists in relevant disciplines.
Contact Persons:
Hon Richard Marles MP
Hon Karen Andrews MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF SHOOTING
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to support, participate and grow the sport of Shooting.
Contact Persons:
Senator Bridget McKenzie
Mr Dan Repacholi MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF THE SPACE INDUSTRY
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to meet and interact with academics, industry representatives and researchers active in the space industry.
The Australian Space Industry has grown in recent years, and Senators and Members can remain infomred of the role of the Space Industry in the Australian innovations, technological, and scientific fields.
Contact Persons:
Mr Steve Georganas MP
Mr James Stevens MP
(Joint conveners)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF SUICIDE PREVENTION
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs to meet and interact with various organisations with the core focus primarily on:
- Acknowledging the innate health risk suicide poses to our society;
- Addressing regional/rural areas and other groups at higher risk of suicide; and
- Acting as a forum for policy discussion among Senators and Members on suicide prevention strategies.
Contact Persons:
Ms Susan Templeman MP
Mr Julian Leeser MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF THE TREATY ON THE PROHIBITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with ICAN on matters relating to the Treaty on the prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Contact Persons:
Senator Jordon Steele-John
Mr Josh Wilson MP
(Co-Chairs)
Mr Russell Broadbent MP
(Deputy-Chair)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF TRUCKS, TRAILERS, TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to meet and interact with representatives of the transport industry, enabling a deeper engagement between them and the Parliament and elevate the opportunity to focus on priorities to make a safer, more productive and environmentally sustainable heavy vehicle industry.
Contact Persons:
Senator Glenn Sterle
Hon Nola Marino MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF VITICULTURE
Contact Persons:
Ms Meryl Swanson MP
Senator Ross Cadell
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF WOMEN IN SPORT
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for MPs and Senators to meet and interact on all matters relating to Women in Sport.
Contact Persons:
Ms Joanne Ryan MP
Ms Zali Steggall MP
Senator Bridget McKenzie
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF WOMEN'S HEALTH
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for parliamentarians to meet and interact with health groups on matters relating to women's health and wellbeing.
Contact Persons:
Ms Peta Murphy MP
Ms Bridget Archer MP
(Co-Chairs)
PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE
It is intended that this Group will provide a non-partisan forum for Senators and Members to meet and interact with young people and youth-led organisations to discuss matters relating to areas of policy that affect young Australians.
Contact Persons:
Mr Andrew Wilkie MP
Ms Rebekha Sharkie MP
(Co-Chairs)