Trent Zimmerman

{{Infobox officeholder

| honorific-prefix =

| name = Trent Zimmerman

| honorific-suffix =

| image = File:Trent Zimmerman.jpg

| alt = Photo of Trent Zimmerman

| parliament = Australian

| constituency_MP = North Sydney

| term_start = 5 December 2015

| term_end = 21 May 2022

| predecessor = Joe Hockey

| successor = Kylea Tink

| office1 = Councillor of North Sydney Council
for Wollstonecraft Ward

| term_start1 = 27 March 2004

| term_end1 = 8 September 2012

| predecessor1 =

| successor1 =

| birth_name = Trent Moir Zimmerman

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1968|10|15}}

| birth_place = Sydney, Australia

| death_date =

| death_place =

| party = Liberal Party

| education = Newington College

| alma_mater = University of Sydney

| parents = {{unbulleted list|Roy Zimmerman {{post-nominals|country=AUS|size=100%|OAM}}|Brenda Zimmerman}}

| partner =

}}

Trent Moir Zimmerman (born 15 October 1968) is an Australian former politician. He was elected to succeed Joe Hockey as the Liberal Party of Australia member of the House of Representatives seat of North Sydney at the 2015 by-election. Zimmerman was one of eight openly LGBTQ current members of the Parliament of Australia and the first openly LGBTI member of the House of Representatives.{{Cite news|url = http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/liberal-trent-zimmerman-wins-north-sydney-byelection-despite-swing-20151205-glgfba.html|newspaper = The Sydney Morning Herald|author = Gartrell, Adam|title = Liberal Trent Zimmerman wins North Sydney byelection despite swing|date = 5 December 2015|access-date = 6 December 2015|archive-date = 7 August 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170807054545/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/liberal-trent-zimmerman-wins-north-sydney-byelection-despite-swing-20151205-glgfba.html|url-status = live}}[http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/rendezview/when-an-elections-not-a-battle-but-a-limp-formality/story-fnpug1jf-1227624325868 When an election’s not a battle but a limp formality: Daily Telegraph 26 November 2015]

He was a vice-president and acting president of the NSW Division of the Liberal Party of Australia and was also previously Deputy Chief Executive and director, Transport Policy, of the Tourism and Transport Forum of Australia.[http://www.ttf.org.au/Content/directorsandnationalmanagers.aspx TTF Australia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135836/http://www.ttf.org.au/Content/directorsandnationalmanagers.aspx |date=4 March 2016 }}. Retrieved 10 October 2013.

Zimmerman lost the seat of North Sydney at the 2022 Australian federal election to independent Kylea Tink, following a trend in that election of the nation's wealthiest electorates choosing Climate 200 backed teal independents and removing the Liberal Party from its safest seats.

Early life

Zimmerman was born in Sydney{{Cite web|title=Trent Zimmerman - North Sydney {{!}} Liberal Party NSW|url=https://nsw.liberal.org.au/Library/Members/Federal/Trent-Zimmerman|access-date=2020-10-21|website=nsw.liberal.org.au|language=en-AU|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124115842/https://nsw.liberal.org.au/Library/Members/Federal/Trent-Zimmerman|url-status=live}} and is one of two children of Roy and Brenda Zimmerman. His father, Roy Zimmerman {{post-nominals|country=AUS|size=100%|OAM}}, was Master-in-Charge of the GPS preparatory school Wyvern House from 1966 until 1996.{{cite news|last1=Kirk|first1=Sigrid|title=Politicians in the making|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&dat=19890623&id=ITZWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8ucDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1912,2126672|access-date=6 December 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=23 June 1989}} Zimmerman attended Newington College, commencing in Wyvern House in 1974 and completing his HSC in 1986.Newington College Register of Past Students 1863–1998 (Syd, 1999)

Career

After working in the Parliament of New South Wales, Zimmerman became a ministerial adviser in the federal government of John Howard in the environment and heritage portfolio and later as an adviser to then Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}}

He was President of the Young Liberal Movement of NSW from 1992 to 1993.[http://www.younglibs.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=16:past-presidents-of-the-young-liberals&Itemid=61 Young Liberals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223014901/http://www.younglibs.org.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=16:past-presidents-of-the-young-liberals&Itemid=61 |date=23 February 2014 }}. Retrieved 10 October 2013.

Zimmerman was a councillor on North Sydney Council for two terms until the local government elections of 2012.{{cite news|url = http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/local-news/new-south-wales-news/gay-mayor-for-north-shore/12568|title = Gay mayor for north shore?|date = 20 April 2008|access-date = 10 October 2013|newspaper = Star Observer}} During his time as a councillor, Zimmerman lived openly as a gay man and worked actively on LGBTI issues, describing the de-funding of the NorthAIDS program as "unforgivable". He also served as Vice President of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association.

In the September 2008 Council Elections, Zimmerman ran for the position of Mayor of North Sydney, against the long-serving incumbent, Genia McCaffery who had been in office since 1995. He was unsuccessful, getting 40% of the vote, and later commented that "I worked very hard at it and I have no qualms at the issues I raised".{{cite news |last1=Tatnell |first1=Paul |title=Councillor's stab at the top job falls short |url=http://mosman-daily.whereilive.com.au/news/story/councillor-s-stab-at-the-top-job-falls-short/ |access-date=27 June 2020 |agency=The Mosman Daily |date=17 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928204124/http://mosman-daily.whereilive.com.au/news/story/councillor-s-stab-at-the-top-job-falls-short/ |archive-date=28 September 2008}}

During his time at Council, Zimmerman advocated on environmental issues around developments, including leading opposition to a controversial development in Vale Street, Cammeray.{{cite news |last1=Muxworthy |first1=Lisa |title=Decision on Vale St a win for residents |url=http://mosman-daily.whereilive.com.au/news/story/decision-on-vale-st-a-win-for-residents/ |access-date=27 June 2020 |agency=The Mosman Daily |date=21 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926201855/http://mosman-daily.whereilive.com.au/news/story/decision-on-vale-st-a-win-for-residents/ |archive-date=26 September 2009}}

In 2012, Zimmerman was anointed as the Liberal left's candidate for the state parliament seat of North Shore held by Jillian Skinner; but Skinner decided to stay on in parliament, deferring Zimmerman's political ambitions.{{cite news|title=Skinner drops re-election bomb on aspiring MPs|url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/skinner-drops-reelection-bomb-on-aspiring-mps-20121229-2c083.html|access-date=6 December 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=30 December 2012|author=Aston, Heath|archive-date=5 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130405042729/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/skinner-drops-reelection-bomb-on-aspiring-mps-20121229-2c083.html|url-status=live}}

In 2016, Zimmerman founded the North Sydney Innovation Network, to promote and enhance the fast growing contribution of innovation related businesses on the lower north shore of Sydney, bringing together people in business from different industries and sectors.{{Cite web|title=Trent Zimmerman - Federal Member for North Sydney|url=http://www.trentzimmerman.com.au/innovation/|access-date=2021-04-20|website=Trent Zimmerman - Federal Member for North Sydney|language=en-AU}}

Federal parliament

Zimmerman was preselected for the Liberal Party for the 2015 North Sydney by-election, which was triggered by the retirement of Joe Hockey. Zimmerman had a considerable 12.8% swing against him on primary votes, but suffered only a 5.6% swing in the two candidate preferred vote.{{Cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/north-sydney-by-election-2015/ |title=2015 North Sydney by-election: Antony Green ABC |access-date=7 December 2015 |archive-date=5 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805073609/http://www.abc.net.au/news/elections/north-sydney-by-election-2015/ |url-status=live }} Zimmerman won the two-candidate vote of 60.2 percent against independent Stephen Ruff. In the two subsequent elections, Zimmerman has had relatively similar two party results to the by-election with 63.6% in 2016 and 59.3% in 2019.

Zimmerman was sworn into parliament on 2 February 2016.{{cite web|author=Shannon Power|date=2 February 2016|title=Swearing-in "was like first day at school" – new gay MP Trent Zimmerman|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/local-news/trent-zimmerman-swearing-in-was-like-first-day-at-school/145430|work=Star Observer}}

= Political views =

Zimmerman is a member of the Moderate/Modern Liberal faction of the Liberal Party.{{cite web |last1=Massola |first1=James |title=Who's who in the Liberals' left, right and centre factions? |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/who-s-who-in-the-liberals-left-right-and-centre-factions-20210303-p577gv.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=20 March 2021 |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=1 February 2022 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322020317/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/who-s-who-in-the-liberals-left-right-and-centre-factions-20210303-p577gv.html |url-status=live }}

Zimmerman has advocated strongly for LGBTI issues and was the first openly LGBTI member of the House of Representatives.{{cite news|author=Power, Shannon|date=7 December 2015|title=Canberra's first openly gay MP Trent Zimmerman reflects on historic win|newspaper=Star Observer|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/local-news/new-south-wales-news/canberras-first-openly-gay-mp-trent-zimmerman-reflects-on-historic-win/143652|access-date=7 December 2015}}{{cite news|author=Birnbauer, William|date=9 September 2007|title=Gender changes, but a wife's love stays|newspaper=The Age|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/gender-changes-but-a-wifes-love-stays/2007/09/08/1188783562207.html|access-date=7 December 2015|archive-date=5 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905173904/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/gender-changes-but-a-wifes-love-stays/2007/09/08/1188783562207.html|url-status=live}} Zimmerman indicated he would speak out on LGBTI issues and declared his support for gay marriage in Australia and stated "I would have supported a free vote and preferred it to be decided by the Parliament. But that's the path we are going to go down so I will be strongly advocating, both in North Sydney and more broadly, a Yes vote for that plebiscite".[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-05/liberal-trent-zimmerman-wins-north-sydney-seat/7004714 Liberal candidate Trent Zimmerman wins by-election in North Sydney seat vacated by Joe Hockey: ABC 6 December 2015]

On 10 February 2022, Zimmerman crossed the floor with four other Liberal MPs to include protection for transgender students in the government's modifications to the Sex Discrimination Act.{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-10/religious-discrimination-bill-transgender-protection-explained/100818484 | title=The government lost a dramatic showdown on religious discrimination laws overnight. So what happened? | date=10 February 2022 | last=Evans | first=Jake | publisher=ABC | access-date=10 February 2022 | archive-date=10 February 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210011518/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-10/religious-discrimination-bill-transgender-protection-explained/100818484 | url-status=live }}

Controversies

= Preselection =

Zimmerman's preselection raised questions, with now-suspended party member Juris Laucis describing the process as "undemocratic" and "a stitch-up"{{cite news|title=Trent Zimmerman wins Liberal Party pre-selection to contest Joe Hockey's North Sydney seat|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-26/liberal-trent-zimmerman-chosen-to-contest-north-sydney-seat/6886816|access-date=6 December 2015|publisher=ABC News|date=27 October 2015}} and reform activist and former Liberal party member John Ruddick{{cite news|title = Liberals thumb their noses at party reform|date = 31 October 2015|access-date = 7 December 2015|author = Hartcher, Peter|url = http://www.smh.com.au/comment/liberals-thumb-their-noses-at-party-reform-20151030-gkn480.html|newspaper = The Sydney Morning Herald|author-link = Peter Hartcher}} called for Liberal voters feeling disenfranchised to send a message to the party by giving Zimmerman their last preference.{{cite news|title = Why I'm putting Trent Zimmerman last on North Sydney byelection ballot|date = 24 November 2015|access-date = 7 December 2015|author = Ruddick, John|newspaper = The Sydney Morning Herald|url = http://www.smh.com.au/comment/why-im-putting-trent-zimmerman-last-on-north-sydney-byelection-ballot-20151123-gl5zwd.html|archive-date = 29 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151129081754/http://www.smh.com.au/comment/why-im-putting-trent-zimmerman-last-on-north-sydney-byelection-ballot-20151123-gl5zwd.html|url-status = live}} Political journalist Peter Hartcher attributed his preselection to his being an ally of Michael Photios, "the power behind the NSW machine". He was also accused of racial discrimination when he accused others of "racial branch stacking".{{Cite web|date=2016-11-07|title=Liberal MP's speech sparks 18C complaint from local member|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-07/trent-zimmerman-speech-sparks-anti-discrimination-complaint/8001844|access-date=2021-04-06|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}

Other questions about his preselection were raised since Zimmerman was also the head of the body that sets the rules for party elections, a position his opponents described as a "complete conflict of interest."{{cite news|title = North Sydney preselection for Joe Hockey's safe seat under cloud of a political fix|date = 26 October 2015|access-date = 7 December 2015|author = Robertson, James|url = http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/north-sydney-preselection-for-joe-hockeys-safe-seat-under-cloud-of-a-political-fix-20151025-gkhxkd.html|newspaper = The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-date = 5 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151205040432/http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/north-sydney-preselection-for-joe-hockeys-safe-seat-under-cloud-of-a-political-fix-20151025-gkhxkd.html|url-status = live}} Ted Mack, former independent member for North Sydney and Hockey's predecessor in the seat, ran a campaign against Zimmerman on behalf of Stephen Ruff, the independent who ran second in the by-election.{{cite news|title = Ted Mack working to install an independent in Joe Hockey's old seat|date = 10 November 2015|access-date = 7 December 2015|author = Aston, Heath|url = http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/ted-mack-working-to-install-an-independent-in-joe-hockeys-old-seat-20151110-gkva4o.html|newspaper = The Age|archive-date = 5 January 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170105013013/http://www.theage.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/ted-mack-working-to-install-an-independent-in-joe-hockeys-old-seat-20151110-gkva4o.html|url-status = live}}

= North Sydney swimming pool =

In early 2020, it emerged that a program of the Morrison government that was supposed to give money for local sports infrastructure was being used to further their own political goals, with many projects deemed worthy not receiving any money, in what came to be known as the "sports rorts" affair.

One project that received a lot of attention was the North Sydney swimming pool that received $10 million even though that money was earmarked for rural and regional communities. Zimmerman advocated for the money for his electorate and then defended the government use of the money.{{Cite web|title=Scott Morrison blames 'misinformation' for criticism of Sydney Harbour pool grant|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/scott-morrison-blames-misinformation-for-criticism-of-sydney-harbour-pool-grant|access-date=2021-04-06|website=SBS News|language=en}}

= Support for vaping =

In 2018, Zimmerman as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport disagreed with the majority view to maintain bans on e-cigarettes.{{cite web |last1=Han |first1=Esther |title=Nicotine e-cigarettes ban to remain, despite protests from Liberal MPs |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nicotine-e-cigarettes-ban-to-remain-despite-protests-from-liberal-mps-20180328-p4z6mx.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=29 March 2018 |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co. Pty Limited |access-date=17 May 2022}} He subsequently lobbied Greg Hunt, the Government's own Health Minister to delay new restrictions on importing liquid nicotine which is used for vaping. It subsequently emerged that Zimmerman's coalition partner had received $120,000 from tobacco giant Philip Morris, which has partial ownership of an e-cigarette company.{{cite web |last1=Wilkins |first1=Georgia |title=Conflict of Interest: Big tobacco still in politics as Hunt caves on vaping rules |url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2020/06/30/conflict-of-interest-big-tobacco-still-in-politics-as-hunt-caves-on-vaping-rules |website=Crikey |date=30 June 2020 |publisher=Private Media |access-date=17 May 2022}}

= Political funding =

Just before the 2022 election it was reported that Zimmerman was the beneficiary of $300,000 raised at a Liberal fund raising event organized by Joseph Carrozzi, an ex-PwC managing partner, prominent tax expert and chairman of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.{{cite web |last1=Hutchinson |first1=Samantha |title=Scott Morrison hits up north shore blue bloods in fundraising drive |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/scott-morrison-hits-up-north-shore-blue-bloods-in-fundraising-drive-20220203-p59tn4.html |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=3 February 2022 |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co. Pty Limited |access-date=17 May 2022 |archive-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522030256/https://www.smh.com.au/national/scott-morrison-hits-up-north-shore-blue-bloods-in-fundraising-drive-20220203-p59tn4.html |url-status=live }} Carrozzi was appointed to the Trust's Board in April 2016{{cite web |title=A new chapter for the Harbour Trust |url=https://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/en/our-news/a-new-chapter-for-the-harbour-trust/ |website=The Harbour Trust |date=2 July 2021 |access-date=17 May 2022}} by Greg Hunt who was the federal Environment Minister at the time. In July 2018, Carrozzi was appointed as Chair of the Harbour Trust by Josh Frydenberg.