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Jocelyn Newman
Minister for Social Security
In office
11 March 1996 – 21 October 1998
Prime Minister John Howard
Preceded by Peter Baldwin
Succeeded by Joe Hockey
Minister for Family and Community Services
In office
21 October 1998 – 30 January 2001
Prime Minister John Howard
Preceded by Michael Wooldridge
Succeeded by Amanda Vanstone
Senator for Tasmania
In office
13 March 1986 – 1 February 2002
Preceded by Peter Rae
Succeeded by Richard Colbeck
Personal details
Born
Jocelyn Margaret Mullett

(1937-07-08)8 July 1937
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Died 1 April 2018(2018-04-01) (aged 80)
Berry, New South Wales, Australia
Citizenship Australian
Political party Liberal Party of Australia
Spouse
Kevin Newman
(m. 1961; died 1999)
Children Campbell Newman, Kate Roff
Residences Berry, New South Wales, Australia
Alma mater University of Melbourne
Profession Barrister, solicitor

Jocelyn Margaret Newman (born Mullett) was an important Australian politician. She was born on July 8, 1937, and passed away on April 1, 2018. Jocelyn Newman served as a Senator for Tasmania for 15 years. She also held important roles as a minister in the government led by Prime Minister John Howard.

Early Life and Career

Jocelyn Margaret Mullett was born in Melbourne, Australia. She was the oldest of three children. Her father was a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer.

Jocelyn went to Mont Albert Central School. She also studied at Presbyterian Ladies' College, Melbourne. Before becoming a politician, she worked as a barrister and solicitor. These are both types of lawyers.

In 1961, she married Kevin Newman. Their son, Campbell, later became the Lord Mayor of Brisbane. He also served as the Premier of Queensland.

Becoming a Senator

Jocelyn Newman became a Senator for Tasmania on March 13, 1986. A Senator is a member of the Australian Senate. This is one of the two parts of the Australian Parliament.

In her very first speech as a Senator, she shared an important quote. She quoted Dame Enid Lyons, who was the first woman elected to the Australian House of Representatives. The quote was about how fear and hardship can harm people's spirits. It also said that safety should not cost people their freedom.

Ministerial Roles

Jocelyn Newman held several important jobs as a minister. A minister is a politician in charge of a government department.

From March 1996 to October 1998, she was the Minister for Social Security. This role involved looking after welfare and support for people.

She also helped the Prime Minister with issues affecting women. This role was called the Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women. She held this job from March 1996 to January 2001.

From October 1998 to January 2001, she was the Minister for Family and Community Services. This job focused on helping families and communities.

Awards and Recognition

In 2005, Jocelyn Newman received a special award. She was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This award recognized her great service to the community.

She was honored for her work in changing social security policies. She was also recognized for supporting women's issues, especially in health and welfare. Her support for local groups in Tasmania was also noted.

Later Life

While she was a minister, Jocelyn Newman was treated for breast cancer. She recovered successfully.

She left parliament on February 1, 2002. Her husband, Kevin, had passed away in 1999.

Jocelyn Newman died on April 1, 2018, in Berry, New South Wales. She was 80 years old. She passed away from Alzheimer's disease. She is remembered by her son Campbell, her daughter Kate, and her four granddaughters.

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