Andrea Mason (political candidate) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrea Mason
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| Leader of the Family First Party | |
| In office 2004–2005 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Steve Fielding |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1968 (age 56–57) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | Family First Party |
Andrea Mason OAM was born in 1968. She is an important Australian leader. She is known for being the first Aboriginal woman to lead a political party in Australia. This happened during a big national election in 2004. She also worked to help Aboriginal women and their communities.
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Early Life and Education
Andrea Mason was born in Subiaco, Western Australia. Her father, Ben Mason, was an Aboriginal Christian pastor. He helped start the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship.
Her family moved to Adelaide, South Australia in 1979. After finishing high school, Andrea received a scholarship for Netball. She went to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra for two years.
When she returned to Adelaide, Andrea studied at the South Australian Institute of Technology. She earned a degree in Aboriginal Affairs and Public Administration in 1988. From 1989, she worked on housing and job programs for the South Australian government.
In 1999, Andrea began studying law at the University of Adelaide. She finished her law degree in 2002. After that, she worked as a personal assistant for Andrew Evans. He was a leader of the Family First Party in South Australia.
Leading a Political Party
On August 8, 2004, Andrea Mason made history. She became the first Aboriginal woman to lead an Australian political party. The Family First Party chose her as their national leader.
She ran in the 2004 Australian federal election. She was the main candidate for the party in South Australia for the Australian Senate. Even though she didn't win a seat, her leadership was a big step for Indigenous Australians in politics.
Helping Communities
From 2015 to 2019, Andrea Mason was the CEO of the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Women's Council (NPYWC). This group helps Aboriginal women and their families in remote areas.
In 2019, Andrea was asked to join a special group. This group was called the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. Her role was to help investigate and improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Awards and Recognition
- 2016 Telstra Australian Businesswoman of the Year
