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Gabrielle Williams
Gabrielle Leigh Williams (born 27 October 1982) is an Australian politician. She has been a Labor Party member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly since November 2014, representing the electorate of Dandenong.[1] Background and early careerWilliams holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from Monash University.[2] Williams is the youngest of four girls. Her father worked as an electronics technician and for most of her life, her parents ran a small business repairing household electrical goods.[3] She attended Emmaus College and graduated in 2000 before attaining a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, with Honours. Williams worked as a Ministerial Adviser to Minister for Energy and Community Development, Peter Batchelor and later, Minister for Community Development, Lily D'Ambrosio. She also worked as an Electorate Officer for Federal Member for Bruce, Alan Griffin. After completing her university studies Williams worked as solicitor at Baker McKenzie. While working as a solicitor, Gabrielle became the director of not-for-profit disability health organisation, Disability Sport and Recreation. Most recently before becoming an MP, Gabrielle worked as a Project Manager in the Office of the Vice Chancellor at The University of Melbourne.[3] Political careerWilliams ran for the seat of Dandenong at the 2014 Victorian State Election, successfully retaining the seat after longstanding local MP John Pandazopoulos retired.[1] In December 2014, Williams was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers. In July 2016, she became the Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Employment and Volunteers. In November 2016, following a further reshuffle, Williams was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers.[4] Upon the return of the Andrews Labor Government at the 2018 Victorian State Election, Williams entered the Ministry as the Minister for Women, Minister for Youth and the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence. Following the retirement of Gavin Jennings in March 2020, Williams was additionally appointed as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs but relinquished her role as Minister for Youth. In June 2022, Williams was appointed as Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Treaty and First Peoples. Ambulance Services was also added to her Ministerial portfolio in December 2022.[4] With the resignation of Andrews as premier on 26 September 2023 and the subsequent cabinet reshuffle, Williams was appointed the Minister for Public and Active Transport, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, and the Minister for Government Services in the Jacinta Allan Labor government.[5] Williams is a member of the Australian Republic Movement and has voiced her support for the 'Yes' campaign in the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.[6] Personal lifeWilliams has one son and has been open about her IVF journey and life as a solo mother by choice. She is a joint number one ticket holder for the Melbourne Storm, a supporter of the Collingwood AFL and AFLW teams, and number one ticket holder for the Southside Flyers WNBL team. References
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