47-year-old Liberal, Trent Zimmerman announced that he has won a by-election in North Sydney, becoming the first out gay representative of Australia’s lower House.
Zimmerman has been in the North Sydney Council for eight years, and was VP of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association. He supports marriage equality, and mentioned that during his campaign in the by-election.
‘I would have supported a free vote and preferred it to be decided by the Parliament,’ Zimmerman said.
‘But that’s the path we are going to go down so I will be strongly advocating, both in North Sydney and more broadly, a Yes vote for that plebiscite.’
When he announced his victory, Zimmerman expressed his “humble honor”, but did not make any reference to him being the first out gay member of Australia’s lower House. However, he mentioned the historical importance of the event, which can be interpreted as a win for the LGBT community.
“I know that tonight in some ways is a very historic moment for the Australian Parliament and I’m very cognizant of that fact,” he said.
He also complimented the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for the way he leads his new Gouvernment, being a real positive inspiration.
“Can I say PM, the message I heard time and time and time again is residents in North Sydney are inspired by your optimism, are inspired by your positivism and inspired by the way in which you are conducting your new Government.”
