Alan Ferguson

Who is Alan Ferguson?

Alan Baird Ferguson, Australian politician, has been a Liberal member of the Australian Senate since May 1992, representing South Australia. On 14 August 2007 Senator Ferguson became the 22nd President of the Australian Senate, succeeding Senator Paul Calvert of Tasmania. He was succeeded as President by Queensland Senator John Hogg on 26 August 2008, becoming Deputy President.

Ferguson was born in Maitland, South Australia. He became a farmer, then a manager of farms. Before entering politics, Ferguson was educated at Weetulta Rural School and later at Scotch College in Adelaide. He was President of the South Australian Division of the Liberal Party 1990-92.

For eight years until his election as President, Ferguson chaired the influential Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade in the Australian Parliament.