About Jeff

Biography

Jeff Seeney has been a Member of Parliament since 1998. Following the 2006 State Election Jeff was elected the Leader of The Nationals, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Queensland Coalition, a position he held until 21 January 2008. Jeff was elected Leader of the Opposition (LNP) on 22 March 2011 and is currently the Shadow Minister for  State Development, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Shadow Minister for Reconstruction.

Born in Brisbane, Jeff grew up in Monto and has lived in the Callide electorate for most of his life. He attended the local high school before completing his secondary education at the Brisbane Grammar School. He has since completed a certificate in Rural Business Management from QUT.

Prior to entering Parliament Jeff served as a Councillor on the Monto Shire Council between 1992 and 1998 and as Deputy Mayor from 1994. He is also a former Chairman of the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation (BIEDO).

Like most Queenslanders, Jeff is passionate about sport, particularly cricket and rugby union. It was Jeff’s love of sport and a desire to improve the cricket fields in Monto which first propelled him into politics and convinced him to stand in the local council elections.

As a Member of State Parliament, Jeff has served as a Shadow Minister in a range of portfolios, including Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Police and Corrective Services and Treasury. Jeff was also Deputy Opposition Leader and Deputy Leader of The Nationals from February 2003 to September 2006.

He is committed to decentralisation and ensuring regional Queensland shares in the state’s economic growth, which will in turn alleviate the growing pains being experienced in the burgeoning south-east corner.

In his previous Shadow Minister roles he has played a leading role in the public debate surrounding the developing Coal Seam Gas Industry, supporting the development of the industry while advocating for legislative change to provide better outcomes for regional communities and rural landholders.  

He has also been a long term advocate for more timely investment in water storage infrastructure for South East Queensland and a strong supporter of water reform in the irrigation sector.

Jeff is married to Therese and the couple have three children, Dan, Helen and Thomas.