Kirner, Joan (1938–)

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Kirner, Joan (1938–)

Australian politician. Name variations: Joan Elizabeth Kirner. Born June 20, 1938, in Melbourne, Australia; graduate of University of Melbourne; m. Ray Kirner, 1960; children: 2 sons, 1 daughter.

The 1st woman to head the Victorian government, was elected to Victorian Parliament (1982), as a MLC (ALP) for the province of Melbourne West; was MP for 12 years (1982–94), heading ministries of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Education, and Women's Affairs; served as deputy premier (1989–90), premier (1990–92), and Opposition Leader (1992–94); resigned (1994); with Moira Rayner, wrote The Women's Power Handbook (1999); became co-convenor of EMILY's List Australia (1996).