MInister Jenny Macklin

MInister Jenny Macklin

Jenny Macklin is the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister for Disability Reform.

She was born in Brisbane and grew up in country Victoria, attending University in Melbourne, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours.

Jenny and her partner, Ross have three kids - Josie, Louis and Sergio. Like many women she’s experienced the pressures that come with raising a family and having a career. Now with her children grown up and living out of home, she’s getting used to having more time to herself, but like all mums she misses having the kids around.

Before enterting parliament in Jagajaga since 1996. as member for Jagajaga (North of the Yarra river), Macklin worked in policy and economic research.

Jenny was appointed the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Upon the election of the Rudd Labor Government in 2007. Some of her achievements in this role have been:
 
- Overseeing the historic apologies to the Stolen Generations and the Forgotten Generation.
- Significant reforms to Australia's pension system. 
 
- Implementation of Australia's first National Paid Parental Leave Scheme.
- Ensured community sector workers – the majority of which are women – get equal pay.

- Introduced the Schoolkids Bonus and increasing the pension.
 
- Taking on the role of  Minister for Disability Reform in December 2011, in addition to her other Ministerial positions. She’s currently working on building Australia’s first National Disability Insurance Scheme.

In her spare time she enjoys, camping, surfing, jazz music, bush walking and Australian literature. She is also a supporter of the Geelong football club and occassionally plays hockey.
Minister Macklin will personally meet with the authors of the five most poular questions voted for on the OurSay All About Families forum in mid-December. Vist the forum now to ask your question or cast a vote.