Kerrynne Liddle represents a lot of firsts.

The Arrernte woman is the first indigenous Senator for South Australia, the first indigenous woman to win a parliamentary seat in the state, and may be one of the first (or certainly one of only a few) federal parliamentarians to have previously worked as a jillaroo.

It’s been a turbulent year for the Liberal party following its punishing election loss in May 2025 - so how does someone like the Senator for South Australia navigate through that noise? And with experience in journalism, tourism, leadership roles with Housing Trusts and universities, why did she end up choosing a political life?

In this special Politics Now: The Interview summer series, recorded in the final parliamentary sitting week of 2025, Patricia Karvelas sits down with movers and shakers across the Australian political sphere to unpack the person behind the politics.

In this episode Patricia Karvelas is joined by Kerrynne Liddle to discuss her unusual pathway into politics, the wide-reaching influence of her family, and why she stands by her No vote on the Voice.

Production note: This episode was recorded before the Bondi attack on December 14th.

Got a burning question?

Got a burning political query? Send a short voice recording to PK and Fran for Question Time at thepartyroom@abc.net.au

Family and domestic violence support:

1800 Respect national helpline:1800 737 732
Women's Crisis Line:1800 811 811
Men's Referral Service:1300 766 491
Lifeline (24 hour crisis line):131 114
Relationships Australia:1300 364 277
NSW Domestic Violence Line:1800 656 463
Qld DV Connect Womensline:1800 811 811
Vic Safe Steps crisis response line:1800 015 188
ACT 24/7 Crisis Line:(02) 6280 0900
Tas Family Violence Counselling and Support Service:1800 608 122
SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line:1800 800 098
WA Women's Domestic Violence 24h Helpline:1800 007 339
NT Domestic violence helpline:1800 737 732

Titanfall – Cane and Rinse No.223