Hon Fran Bailey

Frances Bailey (born 21 May 1946), Australian politician, has been a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives since 1990, representing the electorate of McEwen in Victoria. She was born in Brisbane, Queensland, and was educated at the University of Queensland and Kelvin Grove Teachers College .

Bailey worked as a secondary school teacher, retailer and cashmere goat breeder before entering politics. She was secretary of the Yarra Glen branch of the Liberal Party from 1984-88 and President of the branch from 1988-89. She also worked as the campaign director for the Victorian state seat of Evelyn at the 1988 election.

Bailey was first elected to the House of Representatives at the 1990 election. She was promoted to Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, and was heavily involved with the Liberals' 'Fightback!' campaign to re-enter power. She was defeated in the 1993 election. In 1996, she contested the seat again, winning it, and has held it ever since. In 2001, she was promoted to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence. In July 2004 she was promoted to Minister for Employment Services and Assistant Minister for Defence.

Bailey also served on the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade from 1998 to 2002.