Fenner is named after Professor Frank Fenner AC CMG MBE FAA FRS FRACP FRCP, 1914–2010, eminent scientist of national and international renown who made significant contributions to improving the wellbeing of humanity.

Between 1996 and 1998 the ACT had three Federal electorates: Namadgi, Canberra, and Fraser. After the 1996 election of John Howard as Prime Minister, Canberra's population declined relative to the rest of Australia. With federal representation based on a quota system determined by population, the seat of Namadgi was abolished in 1998, leaving the ACT with only two federal seats. The redistribution from Namadgi to the seats of Canberra and Fraser saw the ACT with the highest number of voters per electorate.

In 2016 the seat of Fraser was renamed Fenner after the boundaries were again redistributed. Fenner covers an area in the north of the ACT. The Division of Fenner covers an area in the north of the ACT consisting of the Districts of Gungahlin, Hall, and part of Belconnen (west of Eastern Valley Way). The Division of Fenner also includes the Jervis Bay Territory.

Members (Fraser 1974-2016, Fenner 2016-):

Map of Fenner

For the full AEC profile of the electorate, see here.