24 Facts About Anne Ruston

Anne Sowerby Ruston was born on 10 June 1963 and is an Australian politician who served as Minister for Families and Social Services in the Morrison government from 2019 to 2022.

Anne Ruston has been a Senator for South Australia since 2012.

Anne Ruston was appointed to the Senate to fill a casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Mary Jo Fisher.

Anne Ruston served as Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources in the Turnbull government from 2015 to 2018 and as Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific in the Morrison government from 2018 to 2019.

Anne Ruston was elevated to cabinet following the 2019 election.

Anne Ruston was born on 10 June 1963 in Renmark, South Australia.

Anne Ruston went to Renmark High School where she was a school friend of future Chief of Army Rick Burr.

Anne Ruston holds the degree of Bachelor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland.

In 1987, Anne Ruston began working as an electorate officer for state Liberal MP Peter Arnold.

Anne Ruston joined the staff of state tourism minister Graham Ingerson in 1993 as a tourism policy adviser, and in 1996 was appointed as an executive officer at the Wine and Tourism Council.

Anne Ruston's appointment was controversial as Ingerson was accused by the state opposition of interfering in the selection process in her favour.

Anne Ruston was closely involved with the creation of the National Wine Centre of Australia, initially as project director and then as the centre's inaugural CEO.

Anne Ruston oversaw the construction phase of the centre, announcing three months prior to its opening in 2001 that she would not renew her contract.

Anne Ruston was the first Australian to serve as president of the World Federation of Rose Societies.

Anne Ruston was managing director until her appointment to the Senate in 2012, after which she remained as a co-owner.

Anne Ruston became a vice-president of the Liberal Party of Australia in 2011.

However, incumbent senator Mary Jo Fisher resigned the following month and Anne Ruston was chosen instead for the resulting casual vacancy, receiving support from the party's moderate faction in what The Australian described as a "factional brawl".

Anne Ruston was formally appointed by a joint sitting of the Parliament of South Australia on 5 September 2012.

Anne Ruston was a deputy whip from September 2014 to May 2016.

Anne Ruston became Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources in the First Turnbull Ministry in September 2015.

Anne Ruston was appointed Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific in the First Morrison Ministry.

Anne Ruston was additionally reappointed as Manager of Government Business in the Senate.

Anne Ruston is a member of the Moderate faction of the Liberal Party.

Anne Ruston is married to Richard Fewster and they have a son.