Michelle Lensink | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Minister for Human Services | |
| In office 22 March 2018 (2018-03-22) – 21 March 2022 (2022-03-21) | |
| Premier | Steven Marshall |
| Preceded by | Zoe Bettison(as Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, as Minister for Social Housing, as Minister for the Status of Women, as Minister for Ageing, as Minister for Multicultural Affairs, as Minister for Youth, and as Minister for Volunteers) |
| Succeeded by | Nat Cook |
| Member of theLegislative Council | |
| Assumed office 26 June 2003 (2003-06-26) | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jacqueline Michelle Ann Lensink (1970-02-20)20 February 1970 (age 55) |
| Party | Liberal Party of Australia (SA) |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation |
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Jacqueline Michelle Ann Lensink (born 20 February 1970[citation needed]) is an Australian politician representing theSouth Australian Division of the Liberal Party of Australia in theSouth Australian Legislative Council since 26 June 2003. Lensink served as the Minister for Human Services in theMarshall Ministry between March 2018 and March 2022.[1][2]
Lensink was educated at Stirling East Primary School andMarryatville High School, before attending theUniversity of South Australia, where she graduated with aBachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) in 1991. In 2003, she was awarded anMBA from theUniversity of Adelaide. From 1991 to 1994, Lensink worked as a physiotherapist atRepatriation General Hospital, Daw Park, before moving into the political arena.[3]
From 1994 to 1996, she worked as the policy researcher to the federal member forSturt, who at the time was also parliamentary secretary to the Shadow Minister for Social Security (with responsibility for Child Support policy), and from 1998 to 2002, she worked as ministerial adviser to the Hon.Robert LawsonQCMLC.[4]
From 2002 to 2003, she worked as the executive officer of the Aged Care Association of Australia, SA (formerly ANHECA).[4]
From 1991 to 1995, Lensink served as a member of the Young Liberal Executive, and in July 1995 she was elected South Australian Young Liberal President where she served for two years. In January 1996, she became the Federal Young Liberal Movement's Treasurer.[citation needed]
In 2001, she was selected at number four on the Liberal Party'sSenate ticket for the2001 federal election; however, did not achieve the necessary quota.[5]
Appointed to the Legislative Council in May 2003 following a casual vacancy caused by the resignation ofDiana Laidlaw, Lensink was elected for a further eight-year term at the2006 election and has subsequently held a number of shadow ministerial positions including shadow responsibility for mental health and substance abuse, security and infrastructure, gambling, government enterprises, consumer affairs, environment and conservation, sustainability andclimate change, the status for women, and for youth. She was re-elected for another eight-year term at the2014 election.[4] She was at third position on the Liberal ticket in both elections.
Since 26 January 2008, Lensink has also served as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council.[citation needed]
In 2024, absent on sick leave due to cancer treatment, she paired with a fellow MLC to successfully vote down an anti-abortion bill (final result 9–10).[6]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded byas Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Youth, and as Minister for Volunteers | Minister for Human Services 2018–2022 | Succeeded by |
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