Jeannette McHugh

The Honourable
Jeannette McHugh
Member of the Australian Parliament
for Phillip
In office
5 March 1983  13 March 1993
Preceded by Jack Birney
Succeeded by Seat abolished
Member of the Australian Parliament
for Grayndler
In office
13 March 1993  29 January 1996\
Preceded by Leo McLeay
Succeeded by Anthony Albanese
Personal details
Born Jeannette Goffet
18 December 1934
Kandos, New South Wales
Nationality Australian
Political party Australian Labor Party
Spouse(s) Michael McHugh (m. 1960)
Alma mater University of Sydney
Occupation Teacher

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.

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.[1]

Career

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).[2]

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.[3]

Personal life

Jeannette McHugh is married to former High Court of Australia justice Michael McHugh.[4]

References

Parliament of Australia
Preceded by
Jack Birney
Member for Phillip
1983–93
Division abolished
Preceded by
Leo McLeay
Member for Grayndler
1993–96
Succeeded by
Anthony Albanese
Political offices
Preceded by
Michael Tate
Justice and Consumer Affairs
Minister for Consumer Affairs
1993–96
Succeeded by
Geoff Prosser
Small Business and Consumer Affairs