Julia Gillard AC

  • Updated
    30/07/26
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Julia Gillard Click to enlarge image
Julia Gillard was the first and to date only woman to hold the positions of deputy prime minister, prime minister and leader of a major party in Australia. Image: Courtesy of the office of Julia Gillard
© Courtesy of the office of Julia Gillard

Readers note: This is an excerpt from the 200 Treasures exhibition catalogue, developed in 2017. This content was written as a brief biography on why this person was included in the exhibition.

1961 - present

The woman who would become Australia’s first female prime minister was born in Wales in 1961. Her family migrated to Australia in 1966, settling in Adelaide.

As a schoolgirl, Gillard distinguished herself with her debating skills, priming her for a career in the law and politics. She cut her political teeth in student politics while at the University of Adelaide. Gillard’s university days coincided with Malcolm Fraser’s ‘Razor Gang’. She led campus protests against the government’s planned cuts to education and moved into national student politics, becoming president of the Australian Union of Students in 1983. She joined a Melbourne law firm at the age of 26 and later became partner.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard
Prime Minister Julia Gillard speaking at the US Congress. Image: David Foote
© Photo Auspics

Gillard narrowly missed out on taking a seat in the Senate before she succeeded in a fierce contest to gain pre-selection for the seat of Lalor. Representing this seat, Gillard was first elected to parliament in 1998. In opposition, Gillard rose through the ranks until Labor won government in 2007, with Kevin Rudd as prime minister and Gillard as his deputy. Gillard was a great parliamentary performer, and as the Rudd government hit difficult times, Gillard challenged him for the leadership and became prime minister in 2010. She led nation-building reforms including improving education at every level, launching the National Disability Insurance Scheme and implementing major economic reforms while also strengthening Australia’s foreign and defence policies.

Julia Gillard visiting a school with Peter Garrett
Julia Gillard visiting a school with Peter Garrett. Image: John Tass-Parker
© Courtesy of the Office of Julia Gillard

During her time as prime minister, Gillard was subjected to continuous attacks on her appearance and personal life, illustrative of the continuing sexism in politics and the media.

She will be remembered for being the first woman to serve as deputy prime minister and prime minister as well as for her fiery ‘misogyny speech’ of 2012, viewed by more than one million people within a week.

Retired from politics, Gillard is active in education, gender and mental- health issues and holds two Chair positions: the Global Partnership for Education and beyondblue.