MEDIA

About Sophie

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 the 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.

In September 2008 Sophie was appointed Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Childcare, Women & Youth by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Malcolm Turnbull.

In her role as Shadow Minister, Sophie has 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 as the primary educators and carers of children.