SENATOR FOR NEW SOUTH WALES
Senator Deborah O’Neill Deborah is a Labor Senator for New South Wales.
She first entered federal politics in 2010 when she was elected as the Member for Robertson.
During the 45th Parliament, Deborah was Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate, Shadow Assistant Minister for Innovation and Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health.
Deborah continues her hard work to build strong economy and fair society – tackling wage theft, rebuilding trust in franchising and auditing in Australia.
Before entering Federal Parliament, Deborah was a high school teacher on the Central Coast for the best part of three decades. She was also a lecturer in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle where she co-ordinated courses in teacher education. In addition to her teaching background Senator O’Neill owned a successful lawn mowing business with her husband.
Deborah grew up in Western Sydney before moving to the Central Coast. Her connection to the Central Coast community through education guided her into politics. Here she saw the power of the Parliament, combined with her passion for social justice, in bringing people together to create a more inclusive society free from inequality of opportunity.
She is passionate about ensuring all Australian men and women, regardless of their circumstances, have access to secure work, income and a world-class health and education system.
BIOGRAPHY
Parliamentary service
Appointed as Senator for New South Wales
Elected as Senator for New South Wales
Re-elected as Senator for New South Wales
Parliamentary positions
9 May 2016
Oct 2013
Parliamentary party positions
Committee service
1 Sep 2016 - 8 Nov 2016
& 5 Dec 2017
Jul 2014 - 9 May 2016
Health (Chair from 7 July 2014 to 9 September 2016)
House of Representatives Standing: Education and Employment
15 Jul 2014 - 09 May 201
& 12 Sep 2016
& 12 Sep 2016
7 Aug 2014 - 9 May 2016
Party positions
- ALP State Conference (NSW) from 1996 Delegate
- ALP Terrigal State Electorate Committee President
- ALP Health Policy Committee Member
- ALP National Conference 2007 and 2009 Delegate
Personal
- Born 4 June, 1961, Parramatta, NSW
- Married
Qualifications and occupation before entering Federal Parliament
- BA (Syd./UNE), MA (ACU), DipT (ACU), GradDipLitEd (Deakin)
- High School Teacher Delegate
- Lecturer, School of Education, University of Newcastle Central Coast Campus
