Don Farrell

Don was born and educated in South Australia and worked as a shop assistant and bar attendant while studying for his Bachelor of Law at the University of Adelaide. 

He joined the Shop Assistants’ Union (SDA) in 1976 and, for 32 years, represented the rights of retail and fast food workers in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Broken Hill.

As Secretary of the union for 24 years, Don oversaw the introduction of the 38-hour week for retail workers and universal superannuation. He led an historic High Court challenge which resulted in a significant trading hours win and campaigned strongly against John Howard’s damaging Work Choices laws.

Don was elected to the Senate in 2007 and, in 2010, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water.  His responsibilities include urban water projects, waste and recycling. He works closely with key stakeholders to help secure the nation’s water supplies and protect our unique environment.

Don has also served on many Senate Standing and Select Committees including the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee and the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. He was Deputy Government Whip in the Senate up until his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary.

Don is a former ALP (SA Branch) State President and has been an ALP National Conference Delegate for 26 years. He is married to Nimfa and has three daughters. In his spare time, he watches his beloved West Adelaide and Adelaide Crows football teams and is a member of the Genealogy Society.

Don is the Duty Senator for the Electorates of Boothby and Kingston.