Rosemary Crowley

Australian politician

Rosemary Crowley in 2008

Rosemary Anne Crowley (born 30 July 1938) is a former Australian Labor Party politician who served as a Senator for South Australia from 1983 to 2002. She was the first woman from South Australia to be elected to the Australian Senate.

Early life and education

Rosemary Crowley was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and was educated at the University of Melbourne, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). She worked as a medical practitioner before entering politics, specializing in psychiatry.

Political career

Crowley was elected to the Senate at the 1983 Australian federal election, representing the Australian Labor Party. During her time in the Senate, she was known for her advocacy on health and social issues, drawing on her medical background to inform her policy positions.

Ministerial roles

In 1993, Crowley was appointed as the Minister for Family Services in the Keating Government. In this role, she was responsible for policies related to family welfare, child care, and women's issues. She played a significant role in the development and implementation of the Child Support Scheme and was an advocate for the rights of women and children.

Committee work

Throughout her parliamentary career, Crowley was active in various Senate committees, particularly those related to health, social welfare, and women's rights. Her contributions to these committees were instrumental in shaping legislation and policy in these areas.

Later life and legacy

After retiring from politics in 2002, Crowley continued to be active in public life, contributing to discussions on health policy and women's rights. Her legacy includes her pioneering role as a female politician in Australia and her contributions to health and family services policy.

Related pages

• Australian Labor Party
• Australian Senate
• Keating Government
• Child Support Scheme