Michaelia Cash

Michaelia Cash. Michaelia Clare Cash is an Australian politician and barrister who has served as a senator for Western Australia since 2007, representing the Liberal Party of Australia. A prominent figure in the Liberal Party, she has held several senior ministerial portfolios in the Turnbull government and the Morrison government, most notably in industrial relations and workplace policy. Her career has been marked by significant legislative initiatives and high-profile controversies, including a notable investigation by the Australian Federal Police.

Early life and education

Michaelia Clare Cash was born in Perth and attended Presbyterian Ladies' College, Perth. She later studied at the University of Western Australia, graduating with a combined Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts degree. Admitted as a barrister and solicitor to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, she worked in commercial law at the firm Clayton Utz before entering politics. Her early professional experience also included roles as a senior adviser to several federal ministers, including Chris Ellison and Ian Campbell.

Political career

Cash was elected to the Australian Senate at the 2007 Australian federal election, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of Ian Campbell. She quickly rose within the Liberal Party ranks, serving in various opposition roles including Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. Following the Coalition victory at the 2013 Australian federal election, she was appointed Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection in the Abbott government, working under Minister Scott Morrison. Her tenure in opposition and government has been characterized by a strong focus on industrial relations and border protection policy.

Ministerial appointments

Cash’s first Cabinet appointment came in September 2015 when she was made Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women in the Turnbull government. She was subsequently appointed Minister for Employment and Minister for Women, roles she held until 2018. In the Morrison government, she served as Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations from 2019, overseeing significant legislative changes including the Ensuring Integrity Bill. Following the 2022 Australian federal election, she was appointed Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations in the opposition shadow cabinet, with responsibility for opposing the Albanese government's industrial relations agenda.

Controversies and legal issues

Cash’s ministerial career has been punctuated by several controversies. In 2017, her office was implicated in the premature media disclosure of Australian Federal Police raids on the offices of the Australian Workers' Union, leading to a high-profile investigation. She admitted her staff had tipped off the media, resulting in the resignation of her chief of staff. The incident was examined by the Senate Estimates Committee and referred to the Australian Federal Police. In a separate matter, Cash and the Commonwealth agreed to a settlement with former staffer Rachelle Miller, who had initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia concerning workplace matters during Cash's tenure.

Personal life

Cash is married to investment banker Richard Price, with whom she has two children. She maintains a family home in Perth while fulfilling her parliamentary duties in Canberra. A noted supporter of the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League, she has also been involved with various community and charitable organizations in Western Australia. Her personal interests and family life are generally kept private from her public political profile. Category:Australian senators Category:Members of the Australian Senate for Western Australia Category:Australian women government ministers