Anna Bligh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Bligh
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Bligh in 2020
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| 37th Premier of Queensland | |
| In office 13 September 2007 – 26 March 2012 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor | Quentin Bryce Penelope Wensley |
| Deputy | Paul Lucas (2007–2011) Andrew Fraser (2011–2012) |
| Preceded by | Peter Beattie |
| Succeeded by | Campbell Newman |
| Minister for Reconstruction of Queensland | |
| In office 21 February 2011 – 26 March 2012 |
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| Premier | Herself |
| Preceded by | New position |
| Succeeded by | Jeff Seeney |
| Leader of the Labor Party in Queensland | |
| In office 13 September 2007 – 26 March 2012 |
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| Deputy | Paul Lucas (2007–2011) Andrew Fraser (2011–2012) |
| Preceded by | Peter Beattie |
| Succeeded by | Annastacia Palaszczuk |
| 46th Treasurer of Queensland | |
| In office 2 February 2006 – 13 September 2007 |
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| Premier | Peter Beattie |
| Preceded by | Peter Beattie |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Fraser |
| 30th Deputy Premier of Queensland Deputy Leader of the Labor Party in Queensland |
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| In office 28 July 2005 – 13 September 2007 |
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| Premier | Peter Beattie |
| Preceded by | Terry Mackenroth |
| Succeeded by | Paul Lucas |
| Minister for the Arts of Queensland | |
| In office 12 February 2004 – 21 February 2011 |
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| Premier | Peter Beattie (2004–2007) Herself (2007–2011) |
| Preceded by | Matt Foley |
| Succeeded by | Rachel Nolan |
| Minister for Education of Queensland | |
| In office 22 February 2001 – 28 July 2005 |
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| Premier | Peter Beattie |
| Preceded by | Dean Wells |
| Succeeded by | Rod Welford |
| Minister for Families, Community Services, Disability Services and Youth of Queensland | |
| In office 29 June 1998 – 22 February 2001 |
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| Premier | Peter Beattie |
| Preceded by | Naomi Wilson |
| Member of the Queensland Parliament for South Brisbane |
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| In office 15 July 1995 – 30 March 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Anne Warner |
| Succeeded by | Jackie Trad |
| National President of the Labor Party | |
| In office August 2010 – 1 July 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Michael Williamson |
| Succeeded by | Jenny McAllister |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Anna Maria Bligh
14 July 1960 Warwick, Queensland, Australia |
| Political party | Labor Party |
| Spouses | Greg Withers (1986–2015) Anthony Bertini (m. 2017) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Queensland |
| Signature |  |
Anna Bligh (born 14 July 1960) is an Australian leader who used to be a politician. She was the 37th Premier of Queensland, serving from 2007 to 2012. As Premier, she was the head of the Queensland Labor Party. She made history as the first woman to hold either of these important jobs. After leaving politics, she became the CEO of the Australian Banking Association in 2017.
Bligh was born in Warwick, Queensland, and went to the University of Queensland. Before becoming a politician, she worked for groups that help communities. She was first elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly in 1995 for the area of South Brisbane. She became a minister in 1998, then deputy premier in 2005, and state treasurer in 2006. In 2007, she took over from Peter Beattie as Premier. She led her party to win the 2009 state election. After a big loss in the 2012 election, she decided to leave politics.
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Early Life and Education
Anna Bligh was born in Warwick, Queensland. She grew up on the Gold Coast. She went to Catholic schools for some of her early education.
In 1978, Bligh started studying at the University of Queensland. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at university, she became interested in politics and joined student protests. She also worked in student leadership roles.
After university, Bligh worked for different community groups. These included child care services, women's shelters, and trade unions. She also worked in the Queensland Public Service.
Becoming a Politician
Anna Bligh was first elected to the Queensland Parliament in 1995. She won the seat of South Brisbane. In 1998, she became a minister in the government. Her first role was Minister for Families, Youth, Community Care, and Disability Services.
In 2001, Bligh became Queensland's first female Education Minister. She was also given responsibility for the Arts in 2004.
Changes in Education
As Education Minister, Bligh introduced important changes.
- She started a "Prep year" for all primary schools in Queensland. This added a thirteenth year of schooling.
- She changed early childhood education. This helped more young children attend kindergarten programs.
- She also brought in "Earning or Learning" laws. These laws meant that young people aged 15 to 17 had to be in school or working full-time. This raised the school leaving age from 15 to 17.
Becoming Deputy Premier
In 2005, the Deputy Premier retired. This led to a change in government roles. Bligh was promoted to Deputy Premier. She also became Minister for Finance, State Development, Trade, and Innovation.
Premier of Queensland
Anna Bligh was seen as a strong candidate to become Premier. When the Premier, Peter Beattie, announced his retirement in 2007, he supported her as his replacement.
She became the leader of the Labor Party on 12 September 2007. The next day, she was sworn in as Premier by the Governor. Bligh led her party to win the 2009 state election. This made her Australia's first female premier to be elected by the public.
In 2009, Bligh was also chosen to be part of the leadership team for the Australian Labor Party nationally. She served as the National President of the party from 2010 to 2011.
Leading During Floods
Bligh's leadership became well-known in 2011. This was when Queensland faced terrible natural disasters. Huge floods covered 78% of the state, including Brisbane. After the floods, a very strong cyclone hit.
During this difficult time, Bligh gave an emotional speech. She encouraged everyone in Queensland, saying, "We are Queenslanders. We're the people that they breed tough, north of the border."
She then led a big program to rebuild the state. This included setting up a special authority and a large budget to help fix damaged areas.
Economic and Social Changes
As Treasurer and Premier, Bligh was in charge of a state budget of nearly $50 billion. She introduced many changes, including:
- A huge program to build new roads, public transport, and water systems. This included a "Water grid" to connect water supplies.
- New investments in science and research. This helped Queensland move towards a knowledge-based economy.
- Selling parts of government-owned businesses, like some railway services. This helped raise money for the state.
- More money for the Arts, including building a new Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
- Leading the successful bid for the Gold Coast to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
She also made important social policy changes:
- Increased funding for services for people with disabilities.
- New laws to protect people from domestic violence.
- Laws that allowed for same-sex civil unions.
- Adding fluoride to Queensland's drinking water supplies.
The 2012 Election
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After the 2010–11 Queensland floods, Bligh's popularity grew. However, the opposition party, the LNP, chose Campbell Newman to lead them. Newman was not a member of parliament at the time.
On 25 January, Bligh announced that the state election would be held on 24 March 2012. This was the first time in Queensland history that voters knew the election date so far in advance.
At the election on 24 March, the Labor Party suffered a huge defeat. They lost many seats, and Bligh's government was voted out of office. This was one of the biggest election losses in Australian history for a sitting government.
The day after the election, Anna Bligh announced she was leaving politics. She resigned as Premier and as the state Labor leader. She was later succeeded by Annastacia Palaszczuk.
Life After Politics
In 2014, Bligh became the CEO of YWCA New South Wales. This is a non-profit group that works to end domestic violence and help women and children.
In 2017, she was appointed CEO of the Australian Banking Association. As CEO, she helped the banking industry respond to a major inquiry into their practices. She worked to make banks more trustworthy and customer-focused.
In 2020, Bligh led the banking sector's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Banks agreed to pause loan repayments for many customers. Bligh called this a "multi-billion dollar lifeline" for people.
Personal Life
In 2013, Anna Bligh shared that she had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Her book, "Through The Wall", was published in 2015.
In 2017, Bligh received a high honour, becoming a Companion of the Order of Australia. This was for her important work as Premier, her efforts in building infrastructure, and her support for women in public life.
See Also
- Bligh ministry
- List of female heads of government in Australia
Images for kids
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Anna Bligh's signature
