Liz Constable celebrates 20 years in State Parliament

Education Minister Liz Constable today celebrates 20 years representing the people of Churchlands and Floreat in the Parliament of Western Australia.

The Independent Minister was the first woman to be elected to State Parliament as an Independent - on July 20, 1991.

In September, she will become the longest-serving female WA State Parliamentarian when she breaks the record set by Florence Cardell-Oliver who served from February 15, 1936 to April 7, 1956.

By being appointed to the Cabinet of Premier Colin Barnett in 2008, Dr Constable became the first Independent to be chosen to be a Minister of the Crown in WA.

Earlier this year, Dr Constable confirmed she would retire from Parliament at the next election, by which time she will have served close to 22 years.

Her appointment as Education Minister came after a lifetime in the education sector. Dr Constable lectured in education special and educational psychology at The University of Western Australia and, in 1985, was awarded a doctorate for her thesis on cognitive development in gifted children.

She has worked as a deputy principal, trained school psychologists at UWA and completed a Masters degree in child development at Harvard University.

"Having the opportunity to help shape education policy and being involved in major educational reforms involving empowering school communities through Independent Public Schools is both challenging and rewarding," the Minister said.

"Equally important is being a local member servicing the needs of the people living in the Churchlands electorate, which has been so satisfying over the years."

Minister's office - 9222 9699