Ben Franklin (Australian politician)

Benjamin Cameron Franklin (born 1972/1973 ) is an Australian politician. He served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from March 2015 until March 2019, representing the National Party. He resigned in 2019 to contest the Legislative Assembly seat of Ballina, but was defeated by the incumbent Greens MP Tamara Smith. He was subsequently appointed in May 2019 to fill the casual vacancy caused by his own resignation. Franklin served as the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Minister for the Arts, and the Minister for Regional Youth in the second Perrottet ministry from December 2021 to March 2023.

Prior to his election, Franklin served as the State Director of the Nationals between 2008 and 2015.

Early life
The child of two school teachers, Franklin grew up in and Coal Point before being awarded an academic scholarship to study at Cranbrook School in Sydney. Franklin's great, great uncle was Banjo Paterson.

Franklin studied a BA at the University of Sydney and resided at St Paul's College during his studies.

He is a former member of the Liberal Party and President of the NSW Young Liberals (2001–2002).

Career
Franklin was the Communications Director for UNICEF Australia before being appointed State Director of the Nationals in 2008, where he served until his election to the NSW Legislative Council in March 2015. Preselected to the leading position on the Nationals ticket while a resident of in Sydney's lower north shore, Franklin vowed to move to the NSW North Coast on his election. He currently lives in Byron Bay.

In January 2017, Franklin was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy and Northern NSW. In December 2021, Franklin was appointed as the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Minister for the Arts, and the Minister for Regional Youth. Following Stuart Ayres' resignation, Franklin assumed the portfolio of Minister for Tourism.

In the aftermath of the 2023 New South Wales state election, Franklin controversially decided to run for President of the Legislative Council, which would mean that the Nationals would have one fewer seat on the floor of the chamber. Adding to the controversy was Franklin's personal friendship with NSW Premier Chris Minns, despite political differences. Amid the tensions, Paul Toole lost his leadership role to Dugald Saunders. Franklin was subsequently elected as President.