Appointment to the Board of Old Parliament House

The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of former Senator Sue Knowles as a part time member of the board of Old Parliament House for a three-year term. 

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said Ms Knowles’ extensive knowledge of parliamentary democracy and public policy, as well as her experience working within Old Parliament House, would be valuable to the board. 

“Ms Knowles began her parliamentary career in Old Parliament House before the move to the new place. 

“She now returns to help make sure the importance of Australian democracy and the stories of Old Parliament House continue to be told.”

Old Parliament House is home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, which provides Australians with an enriched understanding and appreciation of the political legacy and intrinsic value of Australian democracy. 

Sue Knowles served as a Liberal Senator for Western Australia from 1984 to 2005.

During her time in Parliament Ms Knowles held a range of roles, including Deputy Opposition Whip in the Senate (1987-1993), Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs (1993-1994) and Temporary Chairman of Committees (1996-2005). 

Ms Knowles has previously served on a range of boards and committees, including as a Convenor of the Classification Board (2017-2022), Member of the Classification Review Board (2015-2017), Non-Executive Chairman of Perihelion Health (2008-2011), Committee Member of the Consultative Committee to the Australian Government on Water Quality Monitoring in relation to the Tasmanian Community Forests Agreement (2007-2008), and a Member of the Board of the Arthritis Foundation Australia (2002-2005).

More information about the Old Parliament House board can be found here.