Trent Zimmerman maiden speech: First openly gay member of House of Representatives puts community first

HE may be the first openly gay member of the House of Representatives but North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman wants to be defined by what he does.

Trent Zimmerman is announcing $20m funding for HMS Waterhen at Waverton. The gov has also acquired 4 new mine sweepers.

HE may be the first openly gay member of the House of Representatives but North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman wants to be defined for what he does for the electorate, not just who he is.

“I am who I am and I do not want to be defined by my sexuality,” Mr Zimmerman said. “I am here first and foremost as the member for North Sydney and to represent the views of my community.”

Speaking with the North Shore Times ahead of his maiden speech to Parliament today, the North Sydney federal Liberal MP said he would never shy away from conveying his views.

“I do recognise as the only gay member (of the House of Representatives) there will be expectations on me, but … the most important thing for me is addressing the needs of my community first.”

The former adviser in the Howard government for environment minister, Senator Robert Hill, and former North Sydney MP Joe Hockey will use his inaugural speech as a chance to outline his values and to vocalise what has motivated him to stand for office.

“My values have been heavily influenced by family and that has been important in shaping how I make decisions,” Mr Zimmerman said.

Trent Zimmerman announcing $20 million in funding for HMS Waterhen at Waverton as part of the Federal Government’s Defence White Paper. Picture: Annika Enderborg

“I will also talk about the electorate and what are the key drivers and distinguishing features that have shaped North Sydney.

“I will be setting out my key priorities, which will include economic reform and the importance of North Sydney being part of the economy of the future, especially in areas like innovation.

“Another priority will be protecting the local environment and I will touch on the importance of multiculturalism in North Sydney where over 26 per cent of residents were born overseas.

“National issues such as the Federal Government’s role in cities is an area of significant interest to me.

“I think the Federal Government can do more to help areas like North Sydney cope with growth — in particular transport issues.”

Close to 200 supporters will venture to Canberra to witness Mr Zimmerman deliver his maiden speech.

“My sister, niece and nephew — who are still very young — having them is important because they remind me that everything I do as a Member of Parliament and everything we do as Parliamentarians is about making better lives for them,” he said.

The newly elected Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman in his office temporary office in the Senate wing of Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith

TRENT ZIMMERMAN is well aware of the expectations that he will become a parliamentary voice for gay rights.

“I will never be afraid to convey my views on any issue,” Mr Zimmerman said. “As I have said, though, the most important thing is for me to represent the community of North Sydney first and foremost.”

The former Vice President of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association said he would have voted differently on the issue of gay marriage when it was decided to put it to plebiscite.

“If I had of been in the parliament when the decision for a plebiscite was put forward, I would not have voted for it. I would have pushed for a free vote.”

There have been a number of openly gay representatives in the upper house including former Greens leader Bob Brown, South Australian Labor Senator Penny Wong, South Australian Greens Senator Robert Simms and West Australian Liberal Senator Dean Smith.

FAST FACTS

Trent Moir Zimmerman

Sworn in as the North Sydney MP on February 2

Worked as an adviser in the Howard government for environment minister, Senator Robert Hill, and former North Sydney MP Joe Hockey

Served as a North Sydney councillor

Ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2008