Meryl Jane Swanson (née Partridge; born 3 September 1970) is an Australian politician and former radio presenter. She is a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and has represented the Division of Paterson in the Australian House of Representatives since the 2016 federal election.^[1][2]

Swanson was born on 3 September 1970 in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales.^[3] She grew up in nearby Heddon Greta.^[4] She holds the degrees of Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Newcastle. After graduating she worked in broadcasting for several years, as a researcher, producer and reporter for NBN Television and as a presenter with 2KO. She later worked as a business manager for the Hunter Region Organisation of Councils (1993–1996), as an electorate officer for Joel Fitzgibbon (1996–1997), and as executive director of Hunter Tourism (1997). After starting a family she operated a café for several years and then returned to radio with 2HD and 2NUR.^[3]

Swanson was elected to parliament at the 2016 federal election, winning the seat for the Labor Party following the retirement of incumbent Liberal MP Bob Baldwin. She was assisted by a favourable redistribution prior to the election.^[5] She retained the seat at the 2019 election despite a five-point swing against the ALP.^[6]

After the 2019 election, Swanson endorsed Joel Fitzgibbon for the leadership of the ALP, although he eventually decided not to stand.^[7] In August 2020 she was appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence in Anthony Albanese's shadow ministry.^[3]

Swanson has two daughters with her husband Nick and lives on a 50-acre (20 ha) property in Buchanan.^[9] As of 2019^[update] she was a co-owner and director of Swanridge Investments Pty Ltd, which sells horse rugs.^[10]