Ben Franklin (Australian politician)


Benjamin Cameron Franklin, an Australian politician, has been a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 2015, representing the National Party. Prior to his election, Franklin served as the State Director of the Nationals between 2008 and 2015. He resigned in 2019 to contest the Legislative Assembly seat of Ballina, but was defeated by the Greens candidate Tamara Smith. He was subsequently appointed in May 2019 to fill the casual vacancy caused by his own resignation.

Early life

The child of two school teachers, Franklin grew up in and Coal Point before being awarded an academic scholarship to study at Cranbrook School in Sydney. Franklin's great, great uncle was Banjo Paterson.
Franklin studied a BA at the University of Sydney and resided at St Paul's College during his studies.
A former member of the Liberal Party and President of the NSW Young Liberals.

Career

Franklin was the Communications Director for UNICEF Australia before being appointed State Director of the Nationals in 2008, where he served his election to the NSW Legislative Council in March 2015.
Preselected to the leading position on the Nationals ticket while a resident of in Sydney's lower north shore, Franklin vowed to move to the NSW North Coast on his election.
In January 2017, Franklin was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy and Northern NSW.
He currently lives in Byron Bay and is an active member of the local community.