Preceded by Jack Birney Nationality Australian Education University of Sydney Succeeded by Anthony Albanese Spouse Michael McHugh (m. 1960) | Preceded by Leo McLeay Name Jeannette McHugh Succeeded by Seat abolished Party Australian Labor Party | |
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Full Name Jeannette Goffet Born 18 December 1934 (age 89)
Kandos, New South Wales ( 1934-12-18 ) | ||
Political party Australian Labor Party | ||
Jeannette McHugh (born 18 December 1934), Australian politician, is a former Australian Labor Party member of the Australian House of Representatives, representing the Divisions of Phillip (1983–1993) and Grayndler (1993–96) in New South Wales.
Contents
- Early life and education
- Early career
- Parliamentary career
- Post parliamentary career
- Personal life
- References
Early life and education
Born in Kandos, New South Wales, McHugh was educated at the University of Sydney where she resided at The Women's College.
Early career
She worked as a languages teacher and on social justice issues for many years through her involvement in housing, environment, anti-nuclear, peace and women's organisations before gaining ALP pre-selection for the Division of Phillip, a seat she won at the Australian federal election, 1983, making her the first woman from New South Wales to sit in the federal parliament.
Parliamentary career
She was made Minister for Consumer Affairs in 1993, making her the first female federal minister from NSW. When the Division of Phillip was abolished after redistribution, it was arranged for McHugh (as a minister) to move to the Division of Grayndler (the sitting member Leo McLeay agreed to move to the new neighbouring electorate of Watson).
McHugh announced her retirement from parliament, to be effective at the time of the 1996 Australian federal election, at which the ALP lost government. Anthony Albanese won pre-selection for Grayndler, and retained the seat during the election.
Post-parliamentary career
McHugh is Chair of the Jessie Street Trust, and was Secretary of the Evatt Foundation until November 2006.
Personal life
Jeannette McHugh is married to former High Court of Australia justice Michael McHugh.