Career

He has been the Opposition Leader in the ACT as well as Shadow Minister for Health, Police, Corrections and Indigenous Affairs since February 2013. The son of a Royal Air Force officer who was posted to Canberra in 1979, Hanson completed his schooling in Queensland and joined the Australian Army in 1986. Graduating from the Royal Military College Duntroon in 1987.

He holds a bachelor"s degree from the University of New England and a master"s degree in Management and Defence Studies from the University of Canberra.

Before his election, Hanson served for 22 years in the Army, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was deployed to East Timor and Iraq, and earned the Conspicuous Service Cross for his work at Army headquarters.

In addition, Hanson has been awarded the following medals:

ADF Gold Commendation

Australian Active Service Medal – with clasps Iraq 2003 and East Timor

Iraq Medal

Defence Long Service Medal – with 1st clasp

Defence Medal

United Nations Medal – with UNTAET Ribbon

Return from Active Service Badge

Army Combat Badge.