Hon. Jaclyn Symes

Northern Victoria Legislative Council Australian Labor Party
Attorney-General Minister for Emergency Services More information
Jaclyn Symes

Meet Jaclyn

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After finishing year 12 and growing up in Benalla, Jaclyn moved to Melbourne in 1997 to undertake a Bachelor of Laws from Deakin University and was admitted to practice as an Australian lawyer in 2006. During her early career, Jaclyn worked as carer for people with intellectual disabilities. This experience made her acutely aware of the struggles that those with a disability experience daily and the importance of the Government putting in place the right policies to address their challenges. Following her time as a carer, Jaclyn was drawn to the union movement and took up a role with the Australian Services Union as an Industrial Officer.

To make a real difference, Jaclyn realised that she would need to influence policy. This led her to a role as an Advisor to the former Bracks/Brumby Labor Government working for the then Deputy Premier and Attorney General Rob Hulls. Following a change in Government in 2010, Jaclyn became Senior Legal and Justice Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, Daniel Andrews. At the November 2014 election, Jaclyn was elected to Parliament as a Member for Northern Victoria. After her re-election in the 2018 Victorian State Election, Jaclyn was appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Resources and Deputy Leader of the Legislative Council. In 2019, Jaclyn became the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council. She became the Attorney General in 2020 and the Minister for Emergency Services in 2021.

Jaclyn is passionate about social justice and hard work. She values ensuring equity, access to justice and believes in an individual’s opportunity to have a “fair go”. Jaclyn believes that good representation involves advocacy, action, activism, and accountability and she is passionate about building the strength of the Northern Victorian region, making positive changes for the residents in its many towns. Jaclyn is committed to supporting major projects, creating jobs for the future, and building stronger regional communities. 

Ministries

  • Attorney-General since December 2020

  • Minister for Emergency Services since August 2021

  • Minister for Resources December 2018 - August 2021

  • Minister for Agriculture December 2018 - December 2020

  • Minister for Regional Development December 2018 - December 2020

Position

  • Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council since March 2020

  • Deputy Leader of the Government December 2018 - March 2020

  • Government Whip in the Legislative Council June 2015 - December 2018

Committee memberships

Electorate

Northern Victoria

Leaflet map showing the electorate of Northern Victoria.

Allowances, budget and international travel reports

In accordance with section 9I of the Parliamentary Salaries, Allowances and Superannuation Act 1968 the relevant Officer must publish the prescribed details in respect of claims for work-related parliamentary allowances or under the Budget and expense allowances (if any) and electorate allowances and the motor vehicle allowance (if claimed) made to the relevant Officer during each period of 3 months ending 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December as soon as practicable after the end of each period.

Historical information

  • First elected
    29 November 2014
  • 3,650 days of parliamentary service
    2014 - current
  • First ministerial appointment
    19 December 2018

Electorate represented

  • Northern Victoria since 29 November 2014

Party represented

  • Australian Labor Party since 29 November 2014

Positions held

  • Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council since 23 March 2020

  • Deputy Leader of the Government 19 December 2018 - 22 March 2020

  • Government Whip in the Legislative Council 1 June 2015 - 18 December 2018

Ministries held

  • Minister for Emergency Services since 23 August 2021

  • Attorney-General since 22 December 2020

  • Minister for Resources 19 December 2018 - 23 August 2021

  • Minister for Agriculture 19 December 2018 - 22 December 2020

  • Minister for Regional Development 19 December 2018 - 22 December 2020

Committee membership history

Electorate office

Contact the electorate office for matters about your community.

Phone

(03) 5783 2000

Email

jaclyn.symes@parliament.vic.gov.au

Address

shop 1/87 Sydney Street Kilmore VIC 3764

Ministerial office

Contact the ministerial office about this member's portfolio.

Phone

03 8684 1111

Address

Level 26, 121 Exhibition Street Melbourne VIC 3000