Who is Dean Smith?

Dean Smith is a proud Western Australian who believes Australia's prosperity is the product of design, not chance.

Dean's professional career has spanned almost 25 years across both State and Federal political environments. As a testament to his abilities, Dean was appointed to trusted positions working for the former Premier of WA, the Hon Richard Court AC, and the former Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard AC.

Dean believes in...

1. Limited government, trusting the personal liberty of individuals
2. Reducing the tax burden on families and small business
3. The stabilising influence of family in our community
4. Decentralised decision making and allowing people to govern their own destiny
5. The power of the consumer to best make economic decisions
6. Giving Western Australians a strong and respected voice at a time when some would attempt to silence us, and
7. Ones freedom of conscience

...But he distrusts the heavy involvement of government in the economy and the constant erosion of the Federation by regionalisation and decisions of the High Court.

Following many years as a respected, motivated and trusted political adviser, Dean made a successful transition to corporate life.

He has held senior executive positions at Australia's largest general insurer, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), and at Asia's largest integrated telecommunications company, SingTel Optus.

Dean's political and policy experience is extensive and is well recognised by his political and commercial peers.

His policy experience and interests extend across agriculture and regional development, crime prevention, public transport and infrastructure, community services, aged care, telecommunications, financial issues and regulation.

On 2 May 2012, Dean Smith was elected by a joint sitting of the Western Australian Parliament to fill the Senate position vacated by the late Judith Adams.

In nominating Dean Smith, the Hon Colin Barnett MLA, Premier of Western Australia said:

Mr President, at 42 years of age, Dean Smith brings energy, tenacity and a capacity to advance Western Australia’s interests in the Senate. As I have said, I have known Dean for a long time. He is an extremely intelligent, hard-working, competent and articulate person. I wish him every success. I am confident he will prove to be a very fine Senator for Western Australia.

On 8 May 2012, Senator Dean Smith was sworn in as a Liberal Senator for Western Australia where he made and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance.

On 18 June 2012, Senator Smith delivered his First Speech to the Australian Senate.