Helen Coonan

Helen Lloyd Coonan (born 29 October 1947) is a former Australian politician, who was a Liberal member of the Australian Senate representing New South Wales from July 1996 to August 2011.

Early life

She was born in Mangoplah, New South Wales, attended the Mount Erin convent Catholic boarding school in Wagga Wagga, and was educated at the University of Sydney, where she gained a law degree. She was a barrister and solicitor before entering politics. She was chair of the board of governors of the Law Foundation of New South Wales (1991–92).

Time in Government (1996–2007)

In 1996, Helen Coonan was elected to the federal Senate as a Liberal senator for New South Wales. She was re-elected in 2001 and appointed Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer (2001–04), making her the first woman to hold an Australian Treasury portfolio since Federation.

Inspector-General of Taxation

As Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Coonan appointed Mr David R Vos AM as the first Inspector-General of Taxation during August 2003; following from the passage of the Inspector-General of Taxation Bill 2002 and providing an adviser to government in the interests of taxpayers.