Senator Abetz was first appointed to the Senate in 1994. He has held various positions including Chair of the Parliament’s Native Title Committee, Special Minister of State, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation and Manager of Government Business in the Senate. Senator Abetz was elected Deputy Leader in the Senate in 2007 and Leader in 2009. In 2013 he was appointed Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister for Employment and Assisting the Prime Minister for the Public Service.

Senator Abetz oversaw the reduction of the federal public service within a short period of time and was instrumental in the Productivity Commission inquiry into workplace relations and the Royal Commission into Trade Unions.  

Since being on the backbench, Senator Abetz has made policy contributions on superannuation, strenuously opposing the proposed extradition treaty with China, promoting smaller government, lower taxes and a more robust approach to foreign affairs. 

Senator Abetz currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee whilst also serving on the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and Security.