About Jenny

Jenny Macklin is the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Jenny has been the Member for Jagajaga since March 1996 and immediately joined the Shadow Ministry.

In her first term she held a succession of portfolios covering Aged Care, Social Security, Family Services and the Status of Women.

After the 1998 election, Jenny was appointed Shadow Minister for Health and the Status of Women. She was elected Senior Vice-President of the ALP from 2000-2004.

Jenny was elected Deputy Leader of the Opposition from 2001 - 2006. She was the Shadow Minister for Employment, Education & Training from 2001 - 2004. 

After the 2004 election, Jenny became the Shadow Minister for Education, Training, Science and Research. In 2006 Jenny held the Shadow portfolio of Families and Community Services and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.

Prior to entering the Parliament Jenny was the Director of two major strategic reviews reporting to the then Deputy Prime Minister, Brian Howe:

• 1990 - 1993, Director, National Health Strategy, a comprehensive review of Australia's health system.

• Between 1993 and 1995, the Australian Urban and Regional Development Review.

Jenny has also worked as an adviser to the Victorian Minister for Health and as an economics research specialist.

Jenny was born in Brisbane, went to primary school in Cohuna and to high school in Wangaratta, both towns in Northern Victoria. Jenny also spent a year as an exchange student in Japan.

In addition to her family and politics, Jenny's great passions in life are camping, surfing and jazz music. Jenny also enjoys bush walking and Australian literature. She is a long-time Geelong supporter and enjoys an occasional game of hockey.

Jenny holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Melbourne.