Ros Kelly facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Ros Kelly AO
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women
In office 23 December 1993 – 1 March 1994
Prime Minister	Paul Keating
Preceded by	Wendy Fatin
Succeeded by	Carmen Lawrence
Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories
In office 4 April 1990 – 1 March 1994
Prime Minister	Bob Hawke Paul Keating
Preceded by	Graham Richardson
Succeeded by	Graham Richardson
Minister for Tourism
In office 4 April 1990 – 27 December 1991
Prime Minister	Bob Hawke Paul Keating
Preceded by	Graham Richardson
Succeeded by	Alan Griffiths
Minister for the Arts
In office 4 April 1990 – 24 March 1993
Prime Minister	Bob Hawke Paul Keating
Preceded by	Graham Richardson
Succeeded by	Bob McMullan
Minister for Telecommunications and Aviation Support
In office 6 April 1989 – 4 April 1990
Prime Minister	Bob Hawke
Preceded by	Gary Punch
Succeeded by	Title abolished
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
In office 18 September 1987 – 6 April 1989
Prime Minister	Bob Hawke
Preceded by	New title
Succeeded by	David Simmons
Member of the Australian Parliament for Canberra
In office 18 October 1980 – 30 January 1995
Preceded by	John Haslem
Succeeded by	Brendan Smyth
Personal details
Born	Roslyn Joan Raw (1948-01-25) 25 January 1948 (age 77)
Nationality	Australian
Political party	Labor
Alma mater	University of Sydney
Occupation	Teacher

Roslyn Joan Kelly AO, born Roslyn Joan Raw on January 25, 1948, is a former Australian politician. She was a member of the Australian House of Representatives, representing the area of Canberra. Ros Kelly served as a minister in the Australian governments led by Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating.

Early Life and Local Politics

Ros Kelly is the daughter of Michael and Patricia Raw. She studied at the University of Sydney and became a teacher in 1968. She worked as a high school teacher from 1969 to 1974.

In 1974, Ros Kelly was elected to the Australian Capital Territory House of Assembly. This was a local advisory group for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). She represented the Canberra area in this assembly until 1979.

Federal Political Career

Ros Kelly was elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1980. This is part of Australia's national parliament. In 1983, she made history by becoming the first Australian Federal Member of Parliament to give birth while in office.

In 1987, she became the first female minister from the Australian Labor Party in the House of Representatives. She was appointed as the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel. Over the years, she held several important roles. These included Minister for Communications and Aviation Support, Minister for the Arts, Sport, Environment, Tourism and Territories, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Status of Women.

Towards the end of her time as a minister, there was a situation regarding funding for sports groups. It was explained that decisions were made during discussions using a "great big whiteboard" in her office. This led to some difficulties for her. She resigned from her ministerial role on February 28, 1994. She then left parliament on January 30, 1995. After she left, the Canberra electorate was won by the opposition Liberal Party of Australia.

Personal Life and Special Recognitions

Ros Kelly is married to David Morgan. She was previously married to journalist Paul Kelly, and she kept his last name.

In 2004, Ros Kelly was given a special honor. She was made an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia. This award recognized her work in promoting environmental responsibility in businesses. It also honored her efforts to encourage talks between businesses and groups that protect nature. Her service to the Australian Parliament and her work for women's health were also recognized.

When Ros Kelly was the Minister for Arts, Sport, the Environment, Tourism and Territories, she supported research at the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. Because of her support, a new species was named after her in 1997. This new species is called Priscileo roskellyae.

See also

• List of the first women holders of political offices in Oceania