About Concetta

Concetta was born in Wollongong, New South Wales. After completing her primary and secondary education in Wollongong, she attended the Australian National University in Canberra. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and European Languages in 1980 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1982.

For almost 25 years prior to entering the Senate, Concetta was involved in a wide range of professional, political and community activities.

For 20 years Concetta was primarily a lawyer with the Australian Government Solicitor. During that time she acted for many government department and statutory authorities. Whilst at the AGS, she had various secondments to other positions including three years as a policy advisor with the Federal Opposition in the early 1990s and a period as Senior Private Secretary to former Premier John Fahey.

For 25 years, Concetta was actively involved in a wide range of community activities including: fundraising, charities and work in her local community. She was an active member of the Australian-Italian community holding representative positions at a national and international level. She also spent four years on the Board of Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets, including two years as its Chairman.

Concetta has been an active member of the Liberal Party of Australia since 1993, having held numerous positions at various levels of the Party, including on its NSW State Executive. Concetta became a Senator on 5 May 2005 filling a casual vacancy.

Concetta has located her electorate office in Wollongong. Concetta has been active in her parliamentary work and has been a member of various parliamentary committees including the Finance and Public Administration Standing Committee and the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity. During 2008 she has also served as Temporary Chair of Committees.

On 22 September 2008 Concetta was appointed by the Opposition Leader to the roles of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Citizenship and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader in the Senate.

Since 8 December 2009, Concetta was appointed Shadow Minister for Ageing by the new Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR.

During the August 2010 Federal election Concetta was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Liberal Senate ticket in New South Wales. She was subsequently re-elected for a new six year term.

Since the election in 2010, Concetta was appointed Shadow Minister for Mental Health. She also retained her role as Shadow Minister for Ageing.