Simon Birmingham has served as a Liberal Party Senator for South Australia since May 2007.
After a short period living with his grandmother, a war widow and former school teacher who Simon cites as one of his greatest influences, Simon grew up near Gawler in Adelaide's north.
Along with his mother and stepfather, who worked in the retail and transport sectors, Simon helped to manage their small horse agistment property. These experiences helped teach the value of hard work and the importance of small business from an early age.
Educated at government schools, Simon attended Westbourne Park Primary, Angle Vale Primary and Gawler High before going on to study at the University of Adelaide where he ultimately completed a Masters in Business Administration.
Simon was active in community affairs from a young age and was named the Lions South Australian Youth of the Year in 1992 and Gawler's Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year in 1993.
Prior to entering the Senate Simon established particular experience in the wine, tourism and hospitality sectors; industries that are critical to South Australia's prosperity. Working as an executive with the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia and Australian Hotels Association, as well as an adviser or chief of staff to several Ministers, Simon dealt with policy issues such as taxation, water security, public health and trade.
Following a long involvement with the Young Liberal Movement and the South Australian Division of the Liberal Party, including service as its senior vice president and candidature for the House of Representatives Division of Hindmarsh in 2004, Simon was preselected as a Liberal Senate candidate in February 2007.
The passing of Senator Jeannie Ferris saw Simon appointed to fill her casual vacancy in the Senate on 3 May 2007 becoming, at that time, the youngest member of the Senate aged 32. Simon was elected in his own right as a Senator for South Australia at the general election later that year.
Simon has focussed on issues around water security, environmental management and communications since entering the Senate and was appointed as the Deputy Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts (Legislation) in August 2008. In May 2009 he was appointed Chair of the References Committee for the Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts. He also serves on Joint Standing Committees covering Treaties and Electoral Matters. Simon actively supports work to improve the lives of children throughout the world and is proud to be Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Association for UNICEF.
Married to Courtney, a Chartered Accountant and qualified lawyer, Simon is also a member of various sporting, artistic, community and charitable organisations. He still tries to find time to attend Crows home games and enjoys an occasional run, having completed Adelaide's City-Bay Fun Run several times.