Amanda Rishworth
ALP Federal

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

Very Safe

20.74% Margin

Elected 2007

19 years

Member for Kingston (SA)

Federal - SA

Amanda was born in 1978 in Adelaide, where she attended Unley High School.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Flinders University and a Master in Clinical Psychology from the University of Adelaide. Prior to entering politics, Amanda first worked as a union representative in 2000, before becoming a practising psychologist in 2005. She also concurrently worked as a health and safety trainer for the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA). Amanda served as President...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations

Committees

  • Cabinet: Expenditure Review

Key Staff

  • Gemma Paech

    Deputy Chief of Staff

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

  • Jaimee Hunt

    Senior Adviser

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

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First Speech in Parliament

18 February 2008

# Social Justice # Mental Health # Industrial Relations

Personal Background

  • Born at Flinders Medical Centre, represents Kingston electorate with diverse communities.
  • Family history of service, including military background, influences dedication to public service.
  • Studied at Flinders University and served as a student leader, highlighting leadership experience.

Work Experience and Values

  • Experienced in industrial relations as a former union official, emphasising commitment to worker rights and fair treatment in the workplace.
  • Passionate about social justice, believing in the Australian ethos of a 'fair go' for all citizens.
  • Advocates for the role of government in enhancing citizens' quality of life and opportunities.

Policy Goals

  • Strong commitment to improving mental health care, advocating for better services and prevention strategies.
  • Focused on infrastructure development, particularly in the Kingston electorate, to support economic growth and community wellbeing.
  • Dedicated to advancing education, especially early childhood education, recognising its importance for future generations.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Amanda Rishworth represents the electorate of Kingston (SA) in the Australian Parliament.

Amanda Rishworth is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

Never miss a beat with AI-powered political alerts - curated by us, tailored for you.

Media Releases

Securing Australia’s fuel supplyMore News

Media Release • 1 April

Transport and Infrastructure Petroleum Private Transport - Cars Pricing

AI Summary

  • Halving the fuel excise will cut prices by 26.3 cents per litre, saving nearly $19 on a full tank.
  • The Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge will be reduced to zero for three months, with the next increase deferred by six months.
  • The ACCC will monitor fuel prices to ensure savings are passed on to consumers.
  • Additional measures include securing international fuel purchases and releasing fuel reserves.
  • Further announcements regarding supply chain challenges are expected in the coming days.

AI Summary

  • Funding contribution for PALM Skills Development Program increased from 40% to 60%.
  • Annual funding cap doubled from $300 to $600 per worker for job-specific training.
  • Training focuses on nationally recognised courses like forklift operation and safe food handling.
  • Enhanced training aims to improve long-term employability for PALM workers both in Australia and their home countries.
  • Minister Amanda Rishworth emphasises the benefits for productivity and workplace safety.

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Wages and Salaries

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 31 March

AI Summary

  • Wages and salaries were the main topic of the discussion.
  • Concerns about the impact of wages on workers were highlighted.
  • The economic implications of current wage levels were examined.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Road Transport Industry

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 30 March

Transport and Infrastructure

AI Summary

  • Concerns raised about safety regulations in the road transport industry.
  • Discussion on the need for improved infrastructure for transport logistics.
  • Impact of rising fuel costs on operational sustainability highlighted.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 1 April 2026

ICYMI - Junior rates for adults 18-20 working in retail, fast food and pharmacy will be phased out.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 31 March 2026

Posted on X • 17 February 2026

Workplace Relations

So… Angus Taylor’s picked the architect of scrapping work from home as the new Minister for Workplace Relations...
Open Post

Posted on X • 28 November 2025

Sussan Ley needs to come clean in the lead up to Christmas - What is she going to cut in terms of wages and conditions for Australian workers?
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 19 March 2026

Small Business

We’re backing women in small business with organisations like Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI) through their Future Makers initiative focused on boosting women’s ownership and leadership in small business. #FutureMakers #Chamberchange #ACCIFutureMakers
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 5 November 2025

The Australian Institute of Company Directors  play an incredible role in supporting governance in Australia. This week I meet with their delegation in Parliament to discuss the role their members can play in constructive dialogue increase and focus on how employers and employees can work smarter, grow businesses and the economy, and make sure that everyone gets a fair share of that growth through better wages.
Open Post