Biography

Neil Thomson became the Liberal member for the Mining and Pastoral Region in the Legislative Council in May 2021. Neil is the Shadow Minister for Planning and Lands and in addition to these portfolios, Neil is the Liberal Spokesperson for Transport, Ports, Local Government, Northern Australia and Aboriginal Affairs.

Prior to politics, Neil and his wife Debra were partners at ATEA Consulting operating in the Kimberley. He has also had an extensive career in the public sector as Executive Director at the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Assistant Director General at the Department of Planning, along with roles in economic policy and research at the WA Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, and Department of Fisheries. Neil was the Chief of Staff to the Hon John Day, former Minister for Planning, Culture and Arts and the Hon Bill Marmion in several portfolios including Housing, Environment and Water during the first three years of the Barnett Government.

Neil arrived in Australia from New Zealand in 1985 with his first job being a dozer and loader operator in the Pilbara.

Neil lives in Broome and is committed to his vast region.

Neil holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Massey University New Zealand, and Master of Science (Agric) from the University of Western Australia.