Tanya Plibersek
ALP Federal

Minister for Social Services

Very Safe

20.95% Margin

Elected 1998

28 years

Member for Sydney (NSW)

Federal - NSW

Tanya was born in 1969 in Sydney to Slovenian migrant parents. She grew up in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney and attended Jannali Girls High School.

She graduated from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in 1993 with a Bachelor of Communications (Honours). She also holds a Master of Politics and Public Policy from Macquarie University (MQU). Tanya began work at the Domestic Violence unit of the NSW Ministry for the Status of Women before moving to work as a researcher for Labor Sena...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for Social Services

Key Staff

  • Christine Hawkins

    Caucus Adviser

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Charlee-Sue Frail

    Senior Advisor

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First Speech in Parliament

11 November 1998

# Social Justice # Labor Rights # Community Activism

Personal Background and Values

  • Tanya Plibersek expresses pride in her Sydney electorate and acknowledges its history of collective action against injustice.
  • She reflects on her own journey, crediting her parents and community activists, and mentions influential Labor figures like Bruce Childs and Peter Baldwin.

Commitment to Labor Principles

  • Highlights the Labor Party's role in representing working people and its historical roots in Sydney, emphasizing the importance of activism and community organizing.
  • Advocates for a positive vision for Australia, contrasting Labor's commitment to social welfare with the current government's policies of cuts and privatization.

Policy Focus Areas

  • Plibersek is committed to addressing domestic violence, ensuring fair wages, and protecting workers' rights, particularly for vulnerable groups.
  • She warns against potential assaults on minimum wage and urges for a strong social safety net, supporting the need for quality healthcare and education accessible to all Australians.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Tanya Plibersek represents the electorate of Sydney (NSW) in the Australian Parliament.

Tanya Plibersek is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

Strong action to tackle gambling harms

Media Release • 2 April

Health Media and Communications Social Services Health Sector Domestic Violence Social Services Sector Advertising Gambling

AI Summary

  • New reforms restrict gambling advertising on TV to three ads per hour, with a complete ban during live sports broadcasts.
  • Gambling ads are banned on radio during school drop-off and pick-up times, and online ads require user registration and age verification.
  • The use of celebrities in gambling ads is prohibited, along with odds-style ads and gambling ads in sports venues.
  • The Government will also crack down on harmful online lottery products and boost enforcement against illegal offshore gambling providers.
  • Legislation for these reforms is set to be developed, with changes commencing from 1 January 2027.

Constituency Statement: Sydney Electorate

Media Release • 1 April

Indigenous Affairs Social Services Social Services Sector Indigenous Affairs - General

AI Summary

  • Tanya Plibersek highlights the Babana Aboriginal Men's Group, a supportive organisation for First Nations men in Sydney, established 20 years ago by Mark Spinks and Jeremy Heathcote.
  • Babana addresses complex issues like mental health and economic exclusion through practical solutions, aiding men in gaining financial independence.
  • The group has successfully created employment opportunities, including the establishment of Babana Traffic Control, which employs both Indigenous men and women across Sydney.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Cost of Living

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 1 April

AI Summary

  • Members raise concerns about rising costs affecting families and individuals.
  • Questions directed at the government regarding measures to address the cost of living crisis.
  • Calls for transparency and effective communication regarding economic policies.

FEDERATION CHAMBER › STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Babana Aboriginal Men's Group Inc.

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 1 April

Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Affairs - General

AI Summary

  • Babana Aboriginal Men's Group Inc. is highlighted for their significant contributions to the community.
  • The group focuses on promoting health and wellbeing among Aboriginal men.
  • Statements stress the importance of cultural connection and support for Aboriginal youth.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 3 April 2026

Health

For anyone slowing down this long weekend or catching up on admin, a reminder that you can now access free online therapy fully backed by Medicare. You don’t need a GP referral and there are no out-of-pocket costs. Visit:medicarementalhealthcheckin.gov.au and share this with someone who might benefit.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 2 April 2026

Gambling

It’s that simple… Everyone knows someone who has been harmed by gambling. It can have a devastating effect on families and communities. We’re determined to make sure a new generation don’t grow up thinking you have to have a punt to love sport. That’s why we’re putting in place a range of bans on gambling ads, banning players from taking part in campaigns, and cracking down on harmful online products.
Open Post

Posted on X • 22 February 2026

The Museum of Chinese in Australia is a place to preserve the stories, struggles, and achievements of Chinese Australians, and to remind us all of the richness they bring to our shared history. It was fantastic to see it finally open its doors in Sydney’s Chinatown today.
Open Post

Posted on X • 21 February 2026

Ramadan nights in Lakemba are one of Sydney’s great traditions: busy streets, great food, and people from all over the city coming together. If you haven’t been yet, get down there.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 1 April 2026

A key part of my job is visiting places like Samaritan House to hear directly from those most affected by cost of living pressures, and the services supporting them. Today, I announced a 15% funding boost for emergency relief providers across the country this year, like St Vincent de Paul Society Australia and The Salvation Army, so they can keep doing the critical work of providing food, clothing and essentials. During my visit with Alicia Payne, I met Brett who lives at the shelter. He s...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 26 March 2026

Indigenous Affairs Domestic Violence Indigenous Affairs - General

This week we launched Our Ways Strong Together, a new national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak body to address family, domestic and sexual violence. It’s a significant step forward, built on decades of advocacy from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, leaders and organisations who have been doing this work for generations. Our Ways Strong Together brings together community-controlled organisations from across the country, amplifying their voices, experiences and ex...
Open Post