Prior to entering federal politics, he worked as a police officer in Kempsey before being transferred to Sydney as a detective and later on as a police prosecutor. He was also a councillor for Tunks Ward of North Sydney Council from 2004 to 2008, serving alongside future Member for North Sydney, Trent Zimmerman.[5] After departing law enforcement, Conaghan became a lawyer and established his own practice specialising in criminal defence, Conaghan Lawyers before being elected.[6]
In August 2022, Conaghan attracted media attention after remarks about Australian Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather for not wearing a tie in Parliament House and objecting to the "state of undress". Conaghan would continue to complain about the MP's attire despite SpeakerMilton Dick's dismissal of the concern and would later say in a statement that "This is not a barbecue. This is question time in the Australian parliament. What next, board shorts and thongs? Maybe a onesie in winter". According to the House of Representatives Practice rulebook, attire is at discretion of the Speaker in the House of Representatives.[8]
In 2023, Conaghan conducted a survey, titled Pat's Biggest Survey 2023, where respondents from Cowper were polled about national issues. The poll showed high levels of support in Cowper for celebrating Australia Day on 26 January and nuclear power.[9]
↑"About Pat". National Party of Australia. 2017. Archived from the original on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 23 May 2019. Patrick has dedicated his life to helping people in our community spending 12 years as a cop before becoming a respected local lawyer.
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