# Headline: Senate Rushes to Pass 36 Bills as Press Gallery Elects New Committee Members
## Introduction:
On the final scheduled sitting day of the parliamentary calendar, the Senate found itself in a frenzy as the government attempted to push through 36 bills ahead of an imminent federal election. Meanwhile, the federal parliamentary press gallery was abuzz with its own electoral affairs, with the 2025 press gallery committee election taking center stage.
## The Electrifying Press Gallery Committee Election:
### Voting in Parliament House:
– The election for the press gallery committee saw a vigorous competition, with voting taking place by physical ballot in the News Corp offices.
– Federal politicians and reporters engaged in a flurry of activities, lobbying for votes and engaging in juicy gossip about the voting dynamics.
### Key Figures:
– The ABC’s Jane Norman, who ran unopposed as president, highlighted the strong voter turnout and a closely contested outcome.
– Memes plastered across the Senate wing showcased various candidates, with Elise Scott and Tom Connell featuring prominently in the race.
### Unexpected Results:
– Incumbent treasurer Tom Connell lost his reelection bid to Nine cameraman Guy “Sunny” Southwell in a surprising turn of events, leaving many gallery reporters shocked.
– General member positions on the committee saw successful bids from Elise Scott, Sara Tomevska, Pablo Vinales, and Dominic Giannini, among others.
### Notable Appointments:
– Katina Curtis from The West Australian replaced James Massola as vice-president, while Tom McIlroy from The Australian Financial Review took over the role of secretary.
– The committee plays a crucial role in organizing events like the annual Midwinter Ball and fostering relationships between politicians and the press.
## Conclusion:
The press gallery committee election was a riveting affair, showcasing the vibrant dynamics within the federal parliamentary press gallery. With a mix of unexpected outcomes and seasoned appointments, the committee is poised to continue its essential work in representing the diverse members of Australia’s media landscape.
## FAQs:
### 1. What is the press gallery committee election?
– The press gallery committee election is an annual event where members of the federal parliamentary press gallery elect key positions within the committee, including president, vice-president, and secretary.
### 2. What role does the press gallery committee play?
– The press gallery committee organizes events, facilitates interactions between politicians and the press, and represents the interests of over 250 members from various media outlets across Australia.
### 3. Who are some notable past presidents of the press gallery committee?
– Past presidents include prominent journalists like David Crowe, David Speers, and Karen Middleton, who have played pivotal roles in shaping the committee’s activities and initiatives.