ABOUT SOPHIE

About Sophie Mirabella MP

Sophie Mirabella (nee Panopoulos) was born in 1968 to Greek migrant parents. Like many Australians, Sophie learnt the value of hard work and entrepreneurial spirit by working after school and on weekends in the family milk bar from the age of 12.

She graduated from the University of Melbourne with Bachelor degrees in Law and Commerce and a Masters degree in Law. Before being elected as the Member for Indi in 2001, Sophie worked as a barrister.

Sophie works hard to represent all the communities of Indi - a large and diverse electorate of some 28,000 square kilometres.

Sophie and her office support many local community organisations.  In addition, Sophie is patron of the Bandiana Army Museum, patron of the Beechworth and District Pistol Club Inc., a sponsor of the Albury/Wodonga National Servicemen's Association newsletter and an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Wangaratta.

Sophie is also a long standing advocate of Australia's way of life and constitutional arrangements. She was a leading spokesperson against the push for an Australian republic as an elected delegate to the Australian Constitutional Convention in February 1998. Sophie has a keen interest in positive employment schemes and prior to her election she served on the National Selection Panel for Work for the Dole Awards.

Sophie married Greg Mirabella in June 2006, and the couple welcomed their daughter Alexandra Mary in July 2008. The family, including Sophie’s Mum who helps look after baby Alexandra and her two step daughters, live on a small farm at Wangaratta East. Another bouncing baby girl, Katerina joined the family group on the 3rd of June 2010

In September 2008, Sophie was appointed Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare, Women & Youth, where she had a national profile in holding the Rudd Government to account for its broken promises on Childcare and in ensuring that Early Childhood policies reflect community expectations and recognise the vital role of parents and families.

In December 2009, Sophie was appointed Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science by current Opposition Leader, The Hon Tony Abbott.

The portfolio responsibilities include CSIRO, manufacturing, the textile and clothing industry and the automotive industry - all under threat from the horrendous decision making of the Rudd Labor Government.