Biography

Parliamentary service

• Elected to the House of Representatives for Capricornia, Queensland, 2013. Re-elected 2016, 2019 and 2022.

Parliamentary positions

• Member of the Speaker's Panel from 12.2.2015 to 9.5.2016.

Ministerial appointments

• Assistant Minister for Children and Families from 28.8.2018 to 23.5.2022.
• Assistant Minister for Northern Australia from 6.2.2020 to 2.7.2021.
• Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism from 2.7.2021 to 23.5.2022.

Committee service

• House of Representatives Standing: Indigenous Affairs served from 4.12.2013 to 25.9.2014; Agriculture and Industry served from 4.12.2013 to 9.5.2016; Privileges and Members' Interests served from 14.9.2016 to 11.4.2019; Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources served as Chair from 14.9.2016 to 6.2.2018; Health, Aged Care and Sport served from 6.2.2018 to 11.4.2019; Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources served from 7.2.2018 to 11.4.2019; Industry, Science and Resources served as Deputy Chair from 15.8.2022 to present
• Joint Standing: Northern Australia served from 14.9.2016 to 1.7.2019

Parliamentary party positions

• The Nationals. Served: 07.09.2013 to present
• Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing from 5.6.2022.
• Member of the Coalition Backbench Committee on Industry from 2013.
• Member of the Coalition Backbench Committee on Social Services from 2013.
• Nationals Whip in the House of Representatives from 30.8.2016 to 8.2.2018.
• Nationals Chief Whip in the House of Representatives from 8.2.2018 to 28.8.2018.

Party positions

• Treasurer of the Liberal National Party Capricornia Federal Electorate Council (Qld) from 2009 to 2013.

Other positions

• Co-convener of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for the Red Cross.
• Member of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Polio Survivors.
• Member of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for National Rugby League.
• Member of the Parliamentary Friends of the ABC Group.

Personal

• Born: 15.10.1962, Rockhampton, Australia
• Gender: Female
• Marital Status: Single

Qualifications and occupation before entering Federal Parliament

• Pathology and medical biochemistry laboratory assistant from 1978 to 1985.
• Supervisor at the National Australia Bank from 1985 to 2007.
• Book-keeper and property management in family construction business from 1999 to 2009.
• Small business owner from 2007 to 2013.
• Electorate officer from 2010 to 2012.

Electorate

• Name: Capricornia
• Location: The Division of Capricornia consists of: Isaac Regional Council, Livingstone Shire Council, part of the Mackay Regional Council, part of the Rockhampton Regional Council, and part of the Whitsunday Regional Council.
• Area: 90,903 Sq km
• Electors enrolled: 102,585 (at 11.6.2019)
• Industries: Primary production, grains, beef cattle, grazing, fishing, coal mining, meat works, dairy products and tourism.