Elected to the Senate for Tasmania 2007 (term began 1.7.2008).

Senate Standing: Library from 1.7.08; Senators' Interests from 1.7.08; Privileges from 30.9.10 to 1.7.11.

Senate Legislative and General Purpose Standing: Community Affairs from 1.7.08 to 14.5.09; Education, Employment and Workplace Relations from 16.3.09 to 14.5.09; Education, Employment and Workplace Relations: Legislation Committee from 14.5.09 and References Committee from 9.9.09 to 5.7.11; Environment and Communications: Legislation and References Committees from 5.7.11.

Joint Standing: Migration from 1.7.08 to 5.7.11; Parliamentary Library from 1.7.08.

Joint Select: Gambling Reform from 30.9.10 to 27.2.12; Cyber-Safety from 1.7.11.

Member, Parliamentary Delegation to France, Belgium and Germany, April-May 2010.

Member, Parliamentary Delegation to Japan, January 2012.

Local ALP Branch Secretary 1994-2007; Local ALP Branch President from 2007.

Member, ALP National Executive 1994-98.

Member, ALP State Administrative Committee (Tas.) from 1996.

ALP National Vice-President 2002-04.

Member, ALP National Social and Community Policy Committee.

Member, ALP National Security and Trade Policy Committee.

Member, various ALP State Policy Committees (Tas.).

Born 7.2.1959, Hobart, Tas.

Married.

Mental health researcher/clerical 1976-78.

Medical administration and receptionist 1978-80.

Accounts clerk 1981-83.

Child care worker 1983-92.

Industrial officer and trainer, Australian Services Union 1992-2002.

State government electorate officer and adviser 2002-07.