Sue Lines
ALP Federal

President of the Senate

Elected 2016

9 years

Senator for Western Australia (WA)

Federal - WA

Sue was born in Perth in 1953. Her mother was a schoolteacher and deputy principal and her father was a commando in the Second World War. Sue attended Armadale Senior High School.

From Murdoch University, Sue attained a Bachelor of Education. She commenced her career as a teacher in 1984 before soon moving into the unions, working as an organiser at United Voice (now United Workers Union). Sue eventually was elected as the Assistant Branch Secretary of United Voice WA in 2000 and then in ...

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Committees

  • Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings
  • Appropriations, Staffing and Security
  • Procedure
  • House
Access full profiles including advisers, parliamentary positions, friendship groups, factions and more.

First Speech in Parliament

26 June 2013

# Social Justice # Education Reform # Labor Rights

Personal Background

  • Senator Sue Lines shares her family history, highlighting her father's journey as a child migrant and his service in WWII, and her mother's career as a teacher, advocating for the education of disadvantaged children.
  • Lines was influenced by her family’s values of resilience, compassion, and the importance of education and politics.

Work Experience and Advocacy

  • For six years, Lines led campaigns in early childhood education and aged care for United Voice, focusing on wage justice for low-paid workers.
  • She references the passing of the workforce compact bill, underlining her commitment to fairness and social justice, particularly for Aboriginal rights and against deaths in custody.

Policy Goals and Current Issues

  • Lines criticises the Western Australian government for failing to sign up for the NDIS and Gonski reforms, stressing the need for equitable education and a focus on public welfare.
  • She highlights alarming statistics on public housing, homelessness, and Aboriginal incarceration rates, advocating for a fairer economy that prioritises the wellbeing of all citizens over profit.
  • Lines aims to build coalitions for social change, emphasizing the need for political action to address inequality and ensure support for the vulnerable in society.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Sue Lines represents the Senate seat of Western Australia in the Australian Parliament.

Sue Lines is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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In Parliament

COMMITTEES › Appropriations, Staffing and Security Committee, Electoral Matters Joint Committee, Implementation of the National Redress Scheme—Joint Committee, Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy Select Committee, Parliamentary Standards Joint Committee, PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) Select Committee

Membership

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 31 July

AI Summary

  • Details on membership for multiple parliamentary committees are provided.
  • Committees include Appropriations, Staffing and Security, Electoral Matters Joint, and National Redress Scheme.
  • Other committees mentioned: Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy, Parliamentary Standards, and PFAS.

COMMITTEES › Selection of Bills Committee

Report

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 31 July

AI Summary

  • The report outlines proposed legislation for parliamentary consideration.
  • It identifies key priorities for upcoming bills.
  • Recommendations are made for the legislative agenda.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 8 August 2025

Aged Care

Yesterday was Aged Care Employee Day, I pay tribute to the workers who care for seniors around the country. I’ve worked representing aged care workers for most of my career in the trade union movement and its women like Jude who take care of our loved ones! That’s why it's time we took care of them. I’m proud to be part of the Albanese Labor Government delivering wage rises for aged care workers.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 7 August 2025

Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Affairs - General

Today we brought together First Nations community-controlled organisations, and professional business leaders for a dedicated roundtable focused on unlocking First Nations-led solutions to Australia’s productivity challenges. The discussions today will directly inform the Treasurer’s roundtable held later this month. Thank you to all participants across two sessions today for their meaningful contributions and discussions.
Open Post