Maria Vamvakinou MP |
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Vamvakinou in 2005
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Member of the Australian Parliament for Calwell |
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Assumed office 10 November 2001 |
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Preceded by | Andrew Theophanous |
Personal details | |
Born |
Lefkada, Greece |
4 January 1959
Political party | Australian Labor Party |
Spouse(s) | Michalis S. Michael |
Children | 2 |
Alma mater | University of Melbourne |
Occupation | Teacher |
Maria Vamvakinou (Greek: Μαρία Βαμβακινού) (born 4 January 1959 in Lefkada, Greece), is an Australian politician. She has been member of the Australian House of Representatives since November 2001, representing the Division of Calwell, Victoria for the Australian Labor Party. She is a member of its Socialist Left faction.
A high school teacher before entering politics, Vamvakinou is the first Greek-born woman to be elected to parliament in Australia, having emigrated to Australia with her parents when she was four years old. She obtained a BA in Modern Greek and Political Science at the University of Melbourne.
Vamvakinou was an advisor and electorate officer to several Labor politicians including Joan Kirner and Kim Carr, and a member of Northcote City Council 1990–92.
She does not live in her electorate but in neighbouring Batman.
She is married to Dr Michalis S. Michael, and has two children.