Law School creates political history

Thursday, 29 November 2007

History has been created at the University of Adelaide's Law School today with two of its former students becoming the most powerful women in Australia.

The Hon. Julia Gillard and Julie Bishop are both former University of Adelaide law students.

Julia Gillard, Australia's first female Deputy Prime Minister, and the incoming Education Minister and Employment and Workplace Relations Minister, started a law and arts degree at the University in 1979 before completing it at the University of Melbourne in 1986. She was also President of the Adelaide University Union in 1981-82.

Outgoing Federal Education Minister Julie Bishop graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1978 with a Bachelor of Laws and subsequently practised as a barrister and solicitor before relocating to Perth in 1983.

Ms Bishop was elected Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party today.

Federal Labor's new ministry also includes another alumnus, Senator Penny Wong (Climate Change and Water), who graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1993 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Arts.

The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide, Professor James McWha, said last weekend's Federal election is a reminder of just how many University of Adelaide alumni are making a contribution to Australian public life.

"Former Adelaide students can be found throughout parliament and across the major political parties in Australia. We congratulate all Adelaide alumni - both in government and opposition - who have taken up the challenge of helping to run this country, which is one of the greatest contributions anyone can make," he said.

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