Meryl Swanson

Meryl Jane Swanson (; born 3 September 1970) is an Australian politician and former radio presenter. She is a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and has represented the Division of Paterson in the Australian House of Representatives since the 2016 federal election.

Early life Swanson was born on 3 September 1970 in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales. She grew up in nearby Heddon Greta. She holds the degrees of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Newcastle. After graduating she worked in broadcasting for several years, as a researcher, producer and reporter for NBN Television and as a presenter with 2KO. She later worked as a business manager for the Hunter Region Organisation of Councils (1993–1996), as an electorate officer for Joel Fitzgibbon (1996–1997), and as executive director of Hunter Tourism (1997). After starting a family she operated a café for several years and then returned to radio with 2HD and 2NUR. She retained the seat at the 2019 election despite a five-point swing against the ALP.

After the 2019 election, Swanson stated that she would support Joel Fitzgibbon for the leadership of the ALP if he decided to stand. In August 2020 she was appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence in Anthony Albanese's shadow ministry. She oversaw what she described as "the most substantial inquiry into Australia's food systems in a decade", with its report delivered in December 2023 recommending the government develop a national food plan, appoint a minister for food and establish a food council.

After the 2025 election, the Agriculture Committee was renamed the Primary Industries Committee and Swanson was retained as its Chair.

Personal life Swanson has two daughters with her husband Nick and lives on a property in Buchanan. she was a co-owner and director of Swanridge Investments Pty Ltd, which sells horse rugs.