Meet Alison
Alison firmly believes in the power of hard work, resilience and having a real commitment to serving others.
She grew up immersed in the world of small business with her parents Ron and Aileen running ‘Ron’s Market Truck’, a well-known family enterprise that operated across Western Sydney and later in Taree. This grassroots business background gave Alison a real appreciation for the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and a lifelong passion for small business and regional communities.
Alison completed her high school education at St Clare’s in Taree before heading to Canberra to study economics and Asian Studies (specialising in Korean language) at the Australian National University.
She has worked in roles from Receptionist to Chief of Staff for former Ministers including the late Hon Peter Reith, Hon Mark Vaile, Hon Warren Truss, Hon David Littleproud, Hon Dr David Gillespie, Hon Kevin Hogan and in the Northern Territory for Hon Terry Mills. Alison has worked on a diverse range of policy issues including roads, fisheries, health workforce, child protection and international trade.
Alison has also spent years working in the world of business from Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Livestock Exporter’s Council, Government Relations Manager for the Woolworths Group and as a Director of a boutique risk communications and business advice agency.
Outside of her professional career, Alison has been fortunate to travel extensively, including as a 16 year old AFS Exchange Student to Switzerland from 1987 to 1988 and as a university exchange student to South Korea in 1993. She spent 3 months traversing Africa, has climbed to Machu Pichu in Peru, walked the Camino de Santiago from France to Spain and completed a number of domestic walking tracks including the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory and the Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair Trail in Tasmania.
Since returning to the Mid North Coast, Alison has been an active member of Rotary. In 2024 she undertook a charity fundraising walk from Harrington to Port Macquarie to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research in memory of her mother who passed away from the disease.
Since entering the Parliament this year, Alison has been appointed to the following Parliamentary committees:
Appropriations and Administration
Communications, Arts and Sport
Joint Standing Committee on Treaties
Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport
Parliamentary Education Office Committee
Early Political Career
Alison has a well-earned reputation for hard work, straight-talk and a down to earth approach to solving issues, whatever they might be.
Alison first got involved in politics at the grassroots volunteering on local campaigns, and worked her way through the ranks from junior administration roles through to serving as a senior adviser and chief of staff to a number of Cabinet Ministers.
In between her various political roles, Alison gained valuable skills in communication, advocacy and leadership by working at a senior level in the corporate world, private enterprise and peak industry associations.
Alison has worked tirelessly to advocate for better infrastructure, more support for primary producers and small businesses, and genuine investment in health, education and aged care services.
Her focus and drive will ensure that local needs and issues are heard in Canberra, continuing the legacy of the six former Lyne MPs including Hon Mark Vaile and Hon Dr David Gillespie.
Mission as Member of Lyne
Alison is our local champion in Federal Parliament and knows what it takes to get action on issues that matter to our region.
She and her team work every day to help people navigate government departments, services and programs.
Her big-picture priorities include delivering better roads, telecommunications, health, aged care and hospital facilities, and reducing red tape for businesses, manufacturers and primary producers.
From navigating government services to advocating for better policies, she knows how to get things done.
“I stand before you and this parliament as just an ordinary woman trying to do an extraordinary job with an extraordinary privilege for my community and for our nation.”
More than a Member:
Passionate Advocate for the People of Lyne
Beyond her political career, Alison is a proud member of the Nationals, a party that values the wisdom of the bush and the importance of regional Australia. She is the second woman from the New South Wales Nationals to be elected to the House of Representatives and is committed to paving the way for future female leaders from regional Australia.
Alison Penfold is more than just a politician. She is a community leader, a champion for rural Australia, and a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of service and the strength of community. With her at the helm, the Lyne electorate is in capable and caring hands.