Charlotte Walker, who initially came in third on Labour’s tickets, ignored the odds of becoming SA’s youngest federal senator.
A massive swing towards South Australian labor led 21-year-old Charlotte Walker into the national spotlight.
Originally pre-elected for a third traditionally unwanted position on Labour Senate tickets, Walker is contrary to expectations and is now set to become the youngest federal senator from her state.
Her election came in sixth among South Australian Senate candidates following the official declaration of the outcome by the Australian Election Commission (AEC) on May 27th.
After celebrating his 21st birthday on election night, Walker is preparing for an important life transition as he moves to Canberra to begin his duties on July 1st.
She receives formal orientation through “Senate School” to prepare for responsibility for Congress life.
“I think that’s going to be a big adjustment. It’s quite a bit of time in Canberra,” she told ABC News.
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“It’s balance. You’re there to serve people. If you’re not okay with a really busy schedule, you won’t sign up for it.”
From Normanville to the capital of the country
Growing up in Normanville on the Fleuryle Peninsula, Walker attended Yankarila Regional School and later Investigators’ College in Victor Harbor.
After graduating in 2022, she enrolled at the University of Adelaide, and later took on a member engagement role with the Australian Services Union (ASU).
Walker is consistent with the left-wing workers, and her political upheaval recognizes strong leadership and support within the party. She says Senator Karen Grogan and Penny Wong played leadership roles.
Senator Wong described Walker as “an intelligent, principled woman who increases the diversity of the Senate.”
The AEC confirmed the results of the South Australian Senate competition following the distribution of automated preferences.
Successful candidates are Mariel Smith (labor), Alex Antik (liberal), Karen Grogan (labor), Anne Ruston (liberal), Sarah Hanson Yong (greens) and Charlotte Walker (labor).
“As with all aspects of the count, scrutiny appointed by candidates was able to witness the automated distribution of preferences that took place today,” said Cameron Stokes, Australian election officer in South Australia.
